LBC Mock Draft: Ivan Provorov goes eighth overall to the Columbus Blue Jackets

We’re getting closer and closer to that 11th overall selection, where the Panthers will get to make their selection and add another talented player to their prospect pool.

In the meantime, however, other teams still have selections to make, and in our mock draft, the Columbus Blue Jackets are on the clock. They’ve got a wealth of young forwards in their organization; Ryan Johansen, Alexander Wennberg, Sonny Milano, Boone Jenner, Kerby Rychel, Marko Dano, and Oliver Bjorkstrand could eventually become top six players at the NHL level.

With the potential loss of college standout Mike Rielly to free agency, however, the team’s back end is lacking. With that in mind, with the eighth overall pick in the LBC Mock Draft, the Columbus Blue Jackets select…

Ivan Provorov – D Brandon Wheat Kings

Ivan Provorov is a smooth skating Russin defenseman who skyrocketed up the draft boards as the season went on. His skill and defensive ability is exactly what Columbus needs in their prospect pool, and with Provorov still available, its hard to see them skip over this type of talent.

From the scouts:

"While the debate will rage, I see Ivan as the best and most complete defenceman in the draft. His command of all the situations in the game allows him to contribute and make an impact regardless of what’s confronting him. Ivan can make the game look effortless with a brilliant understanding of what’s unfolding in front of him either from a defensive or offensive standpoint."
–Craig Button, TSN director of scouting

An offensively gifted defenceman who can direct the game's pace when the puck is on his stick. Provorov is a quick and agile skater with an accurate release on his shot, which he can get off anywhere below the blue line; creates many chances on the power play and can even create offense during the penalty kill. Is an adroit and creative passer who knows how to use his teammates well. All-in-all, a complete defenceman who knows how goals are scored and executes accordingly.

- Curtis Joe, Elite Prospects

A strong transitional blueliner…a smooth skater that keeps up with quicker opponents and can create some separation with a decent first step…very patient and poised with the puck…moves the puck in a way that will translate well at the next level… always makes forward progress when he is on the ice…shows good patience and purpose in his decisions…strong in the corners…hockey sense elevates the effectiveness of all his other abilities…a distributor of the puck that can head up a power play with great vision…steady and reliable at both ends. (December 2014)

- Future Considerations

The San Jose Sharks go next, in the meantime, enjoy some videos of Provorov in action.