Could Ivan Provorov be the best defenseman in Flyers history?
By Colin Newby
Flyers defenseman Ivan Provorov has solidified himself as the team’s top all-around blueliner. He is ascending in the ranks toward the top-tier NHL defensemen this season, and his career trajectory figures to be leading him into conversations for the Norris Trophy in the coming seasons along with young stars like Cale Makar, Seth Jones, and Charlie McAvoy.
Provorov is now wearing the “A” as an assistant captain for Philadelphia, rotating with established veterans Sean Couturier, Jake Voracek, and Kevin Hayes. He is remarkably in his fifth season in the NHL after making the Flyers roster out of training camp before 2016-17 at age 19.
The now 24-year-old Russian has already had his fair share of shining moments. He scored a playoff overtime winner in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the New York Islanders, becoming the first Flyers defenseman to score a playoff OT goal since Andy Delmore in 2000. He also assisted Scott Laughton’s playoff OT winner in the previous game with a heavy blast from the point that Laughton deflected at the foot of the goalmouth.
His overtime winner against the Montreal Canadiens in November 2019 might still be his most impressive highlight.
Provorov has become a workhorse for the Philadelphia Flyers, having never missed a game in his NHL career. His average Time on Ice (TOI) has gradually increased to over 26 minutes a game through his first 11 in the 2021 season.
Provorov is currently in the 2nd year of a 6 year contract running through the 2024-25 season. He figures to become one of the best defensemen in Philadelphia Flyers franchise history, although the lack of longevity currently holds him below the best of the best.
Where does Ivan Provorov rank in the pecking order of Flyers greats? What does he have to retire as the best in franchise history?