Philadelphia Flyers: Ivan Provorov wins Barry Ashbee Trophy
For the second time in his young career, Ivan Provorov has been voted as the Flyers best defenseman.
The Barry Ashbee Trophy is voted on various journalist and broadcasters. It is given to the best Flyers defenseman from each season. Two members of the current blue line have each taken home the award twice in the last five season.
Shayne Gostisbehere won the award in 2015-16 and 2017-18. This years winner also won the award back in 2016-17. That would be Ivan Provorov.
Since entering the league that season, Provorov has developed into a top defenseman in the league. And a top defenseman on the Flyers roster as well.
This year turned out to be one of his best in the NHL. He has yet to miss a game during his career, skating in 315 regular season games. Provorov also appeared in six postseason games.
He is the player that the Flyers clearly trust the most in almost all situations. He has played over 20+ minutes in every season since debuting in 2016. This year, he averaged around 24:51 time on ice. That was the second highest in his career.
He backed that up with 13 goals and 36 points, a big bounce back from last season. The team as a whole saw many struggles last season, but it’s clear they aren’t at their best when Provorov is not.
A franchise defensemen, Provorov has some of the best advanced metrics among defensemen. Unsurprisingly, his partner on the ice is high on the list as well. Matt Niskanen was brought in via trade this season and has fit in seamlessly among the group.
He has especially done wonders for Provorov. The two have formed one of the best duos in the league. And it has brought out an even better side of Provorov this season. If that was even possible.
The Barry Ashbee Trophy is the oldest award that the Flyers have given out. It was first awarded after the 1974-75 season. Ashbee was actually forced to return the season before the award was first given out.
Along with Gostisbehere, at least seven other Flyers players have won the award on consecutive occasions. Eric Desjardins holds the record, having won the award seven times.
There’s a chance Provorov could challenge that number in the future.