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Updated: Friday, 9:36
It's finally finished.
Well, at least one.
The night before the 2019 training camp, Ivan Provorov and the Flyers have signed a six-year contract with an average annual value of $ 6.75 million.
"We are happy to have Ivan locked up for the next six years," said Flyers general manager Chuck Fletcher in a statement released by the team on Friday. "During his young career, he has become one of the best defensemen in the NHL, his involvement in the game and his teammates are second to none and he will be an important part of our success for years to come."
Provorov, a restricted free agent, had remained unsigned throughout the off season. Travis Konecny is the only remaining call for proposals from the team.
Provorov's agent, Mark Gandler, did well to earn his client a $ 7 million AAV. Blue Jackets defender Zach Werenski, a comparable Provorov player, signed a $ 15 million ($ 15 million) three-year contract on Monday. Werenski, 22, was eighth overall in 2015 and has just finished a season of 44 points. Provorov is also 22 years old, was ranked seventh overall in 2015 and has just finished a 26-point season.
However, Provorov has not missed a match in his three-year NHL career. He was charged with the number one defender responsibilities and was delivered in 2017-18, scoring 17 goals, 41 points and a plus-17 score. Of all the NHL defensemen in the past two seasons, Provorov has played the eleventh largest number of minutes per game (24:38), the ninth the smallest number of minutes on the penalty kill (449: 51) and the 18th most goals (24).
It seemed that Provorov's camp did not want to follow the path of the bridge, which was understandable when looking at the above durability. There is also no reason to believe that Provorov will not be better in 2019-20 and will only improve during the contract. Look at Sean Couturier for example. He entered the league at age 19 and had his heyday in seventh year at age 25.
Provorov, an expected pillar of the Flyers' defense, is now stuck in the 2024-2025 season. He will be the best-paid Flyers defender, ahead of Matt Niskanen ($ 5.75 million) and Shayne Gostisbehere ($ 4.5 million). Provorov will be 28 years old at the end of his contract.
Last season, Provorov said he was in good health, but admitted that he was pressuring sometimes during a tough season for the entire club. The Flyers demanded a lot from Provorov and Gostisbehere, confident and fresh seasons. However, Provorov turned 22 in January and Gostisbehere was only 25 last season.
"It has happened that I try a little too much from a personal point of view, from a team point of view and try to do everything that is in my power to help the team win, "Provorov said in April. "We are not perfect, none of us are perfect.
Ironically, despite the new deal, some pressure should be released from Provorov in 2019-20. Additions by veterans Niskanen and Justin Braun will contribute to these efforts, while many expect a rebound season from Gostisbehere, as well as greater advances from Travis Sanheim and Philippe Myers. Robert Hagg (82 games last season) and Samuel Morin (2013 first-round pick) are big bodies and are also part of the table.
Here is an overview of the potential defensive associations of the Flyers:
Ivan Provorov-Matt Niskanen
Travis Sanheim-Justin Braun
Shayne Gostisbehere-Philippe Myers
The Flyers will need Provorov and just about everyone to be better in 2019-20 if they want to reach the playoffs. Last season, the team allowed the third-most goals per game in the NHL at 3.41 and finished with a under-37 differential.
Meanwhile, another important piece of the 2019-2020 enigma might not be present for the first day of the training camp on Friday. Konecny, 22, who could strengthen the depth of the team in the future, has no new contract.
Once Konecny does it, Fletcher's first off-season as Managing Director of the Flyers will be complete.
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