Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Ivan Provorov takes charge of Columbus. He is one of many pieces in a three-team trade also involving the Los Angeles Kings.

As for the Flyers, they get their hands on the first-round pick, the 22nd overall, of the Blue Jackets in the next draft. They also get 28-year-old goaltender Cal Petersen, defenseman Sean Walker, Swedish prospect Helge Grans, a 2024 second-round pick from the Kings as well as a conditional second-round pick in 2024 or 2025.

For their part, the Kings withheld 30% of Provorov’s salary, or $4,725,000 over two years. They acquire 33-year-old defenseman Kevin Connauton and 27-year-old forward Harden Hodgson from Philadelphia.

“Improving our blue line was a priority for us and in Ivan we acquire an established left-handed defender, who is still a young player with his best seasons ahead of him,” Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen responded via of press release.

“He immediately improves our defending group given that he is durable, has solid skills, skates well, is a great passer with an accurate shot. It can also be effective on both sides of the rink. »

Flyers general manager Daniel Briere said there was no untouchable player in his squad after the team missed the playoffs for the third straight season.

“We believe the choices offered were very interesting because of the direction in which we want to go,” said Brière. We have the opportunity to start building the team we want. »

Provorov, 26, had 217 points in 532 games with the Flyers. The Russian came under fire in January when he cited his Orthodox Russian beliefs for why he skipped the warm-up when the Flyers wore jerseys in honor of Pride night.

Brière insisted that this situation had nothing to do with the decision to trade Provorov.