The Philadelphia Flyers may not have gone deep into the playoffs, but their seventh overall pick from 2015, Ivan Provorov, is.
Provorov’s Brandon Wheat Kings eliminated the Memorial Cup hosts, the Red Deer Rebels, in five games to advance to the WHL Final. The Wheat Kings fell two games behind the Edmonton Oil Kings in the first round of the playoffs, but since then have only lost two other games en route to compete for the title of the WHL’s best.
Provorov has three goals and seven assists for 10 total points in 16 games these playoffs. He’s currently tied for fourth in defensemen scoring, behind two of his own teammates: Macoy Erkamps (an overage player), and Kale Clague (draft eligible this year – and perhaps a name to watch out for?).
@billmeltzer @SuperScrub47 @JohanGartner @ksfortier here’s the Provorov goal! OT Brandon v Red Deer starting now pic.twitter.com/VwuvWdHHyX
— Dan Silver (@dsilver88) April 23, 2016
Of course, the playoffs are just a snapshot of the overall season. The Wheat Kings were one of the very top teams throughout the regular season – and over the course of 62 games, Provorov was found to be the best defenseman. Besides, the WHL is a defensive league; it’s not surprising to see only one defenseman at point per game status. (The wonderfully named Ethan Bear, as a matter of fact – and Provorov’s Wheat Kings will be facing his Seattle Thunderbirds in the final.)
Four more wins, and Provorov will be competing for the Memorial Cup. So there’s still a Flyer out there to cheer for!
