Rangers’ Interest in Rival Free Agent Defenseman Should Raise Concerns for Fans
Chris Drury, known for clearing cap space and using it on questionable signings, may be eyeing another risky move. The New York Rangers recently freed up $6.5 million in cap space for the 2025-26 season by trading Chris Kreider, and rumors suggest that Drury might be looking to spend it on a defenseman. If the rumored target is correct, it could be a major mistake — one that should worry Rangers fans. 
The player in question is Ivan Provorov, a 28-year-old defenseman familiar to Rangers fans for his time with the Philadelphia Flyers and Columbus Blue Jackets in the Metropolitan Division. According to Russian sports journalist Daria Tuboltseva of RG.com, the Rangers have expressed interest in Provorov. Given how well the team knows him, this move seems especially puzzling.
Provorov, who stands 6’1″ and weighs 218 pounds, is a left-handed defenseman known for blocking shots and playing physical when needed. However, his overall performance has been mediocre at best. His underlying numbers are comparable to other defensemen the Rangers have previously acquired or shown interest in, making it plausible that they might consider signing him. But the reality is, Provorov’s stats don’t support a top-four role, and a deeper look into his career raises serious doubts about his value.
This season, Provorov has shown a lack of overall impact, grading poorly across various categories. For example, he ranks in the 19th percentile among all defensemen over the last three seasons in terms of defensive performance, according to Evolving-Hockey.com. Last year, Provorov logged 1,535 minutes of 5v5 play, finishing with a goals-for percentage of 52.52%, a Corsi-for percentage of 48.06%, and an expected goals-for percentage of 46.31%. These numbers aren’t just underwhelming for a player hoping to earn a big contract — they’re consistently mediocre, even when compared to his previous seasons.
One reason the Rangers might be considering Provorov is that he could come at a lower cost than higher-profile names like Dmitry Orlov and Vladislav Gavrikov, who might demand a more substantial salary. However, if cost is a factor, the Rangers would be better off looking for a hidden gem or exploring trades rather than settling for a player like Provorov.
In the end, Provorov doesn’t represent the defensive upgrade the Rangers need. For too long, the team has been settling for mediocrity on the blue line. With the 2023-24 season approaching, the Rangers should steer clear of Provorov and pursue a more impactful player to strengthen their defense.
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