So we’ve considered a lot of the factors surrounding this situation and it’s time to get to the key question. That is: Do the Blue Jackets believe that Provorov or Mateychuk will be the better defenseman over the length of Provorov’s next contract and beyond?

Don Waddell, GM of the Columbus Blue Jackets, was a guest on Jeff Marek's The Sheets Podcast. When asked if the team's success has impacted the front office's plan for the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline, Waddell answered with a lengthy no.