Sources: Provorov nets 7-year deal from Jackets

Ivan Provorov decided to avoid free agency, with the veteran defenseman finalizing a seven-year extension Monday worth $8.5 million annually to remain with the Columbus Blue Jackets , sources told ESPN, confirming earlier reports.

With free agency slated to start Tuesday, the 28-year-old was one of the most notable defenseman who had a chance to hit the open market in the event he didn't agree to a deal with the Blue Jackets.

Provorov's decision to stay with the Blue Jackets comes shortly after it was reported that Aaron Ekblad also avoided free agency by agreeing on an eight-year extension to remain with the Florida Panthers .

That now leaves players such as Vladislav Gavrikov , Ryan Lindgren , and Dmitry Orlov among the more prominent pending UFAs who could be available should they fail to strike a deal with their current teams.

Retaining Provorov comes months after a season that witnessed the Blue Jackets shed the title of being a rebuilding franchise and that of one which could challenge for the playoffs in 2025-26.

Editor's Picks NHL free agency preview: How each team can earn an A+ 4h Ryan Clark and Kristen Shilton NHL trade grades: Report cards on Marner, Gibson, Dobson, more 1h Ryan Clark and Kristen Shilton NHL free agency big board: Who are the top options available? 1h Greg Wyshynski Four consecutive seasons without the playoffs created the idea that the 2024-25 campaign could be another challenge one.

But a six-game winning streak in January saw them post a 22-17-6 record to create the belief that a turnaround could be in order.

They closed out the season with another six-game winning streak but would fall short of the final Eastern Conference wild-card spot, which was captured by the Montreal Canadiens by just two points.

Provorov would finish with seven goals and 33 points in 82 games while his 23:21 in average ice time was second behind Norris Trophy finalist Zach Werenski .

Re-signing Provorov comes in an offseason that saw the Blue Jackets also strengthen their bottom-six forward corps by adding Charlie Coyle and Miles Wood in a trade with the Colorado Avalanche .

PuckPedia projects that the Blue Jackets now have $20.957 million in cap space ahead of free agency.

TSN was first to report news of Provorov's decision..

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