Philadelphia Flyers sign Ivan Provorov

The Philadelphia Flyers have announced that they have signed Ivan Provorov to an entry-level contract. Provorov went 7th overall in the 2015 NHL Draft.

Flyers have signed their top 2015 pick Ivan Provorov to an entry level contract
— Tim Panaccio (@tpanotchRET) July 4, 2015

The 6-foot offensive defenseman from Yaroslavl, Russia may get time in the NHL as soon as October of this year.

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Last season, Provorov played with the Western Hockey League’s Brandon Wheat Kings after being drafted 30th overall in the 2014 CHL Import Draft. He scored 15 goals and 46 assists (61 points) in 60 regular season games. These tallies were good enough for Provorov to earn the most assists and points by a Rookie in the WHL.

Provorov earned a silver medal with Russia at the World Junior Championships. He was also selected to be on the WHL’s East First All-Star Team.

Entering the draft, Provorov was the second highest ranked defenseman after Noah Hanifin. Hanifin ended up going 5th overall to the Carolina Hurricanes.

Bill Placzek of NHL Draft Site said the following about Provorov’s talent.

"A strong elusive skating puck carrier who is also great with his stick as a defensive weapon. This improving six foot skates head up with confidence great knee bend and drive, holding that extra second and always aware of all his passing options. Attacks with shake and bake head and body moves and gets by defenders on the attack. Reaches quickly on defense. Still needs polish defensively but has upside that will most certainly have his name called."

On if he will be ready for the NHL this season, Provorov said “I’m gonna work hard this summer and go to the main camp and see what happens there.”

The Flyers have many strong prospects on defense such as Samuel Morin, Shayne Gostisbehere, Travis Sanheim and Robert Hagg. It is impressive that the Flyers management believe that Provorov may be ready for the big leagues already.