For almost two years, one player has been the hottest name on the trade market, with different teams taking turns being linked, but a deal never gets done. With the 2022-2023 season approaching, that same player still remains a hot commodity as teams look to improve.
That player is Arizona Coyotes defenseman Jakob Chychrun.
The 24-year-old has been linked to trade rumors as the Coyotes look to cash in on their prized defenseman as they try and push the rebuild ahead. The rumors peaked at the 2022 trade deadline, and many thought he would finally be on the move, but the Coyotes asking price was just too steep. The NHL Entry Draft came along this past July, and the rumors heated up again, but just like the trade deadline, no deal happened. The Florida native has made it very clear to Arizona and the media that he was not interested in being part of another rebuild out in the desert.
However, with just over a month to go before the regular season, Coyotes’ general manager, Bill Armstrong, has yet to trade the star defenseman, with reports that a deal may get done before training camp.
There are reportedly five teams still believed to be interested in acquiring Chychrun in what will be a major acquisition for whoever lands him.
As per B/R Open Ice, the five teams remaining in the conversation are the Toronto Maple Leafs, Ottawa Senators, Anaheim Ducks, New York Islanders, and Los Angeles Kings.
Of the five teams listed, it’s clear that the Islanders are the most desperate after having a terrible lackluster offseason. GM Lou Lamoriello’s job is likely on the line if his club misses the playoffs once again.
The most interesting option would be the Senators, who are looking to highlight their incredible summer by adding a stud defenseman. The Senators had the most buzz surrounding Chychrun this offseason as it seemed they were getting close to a deal before talks calmed down. After all their significant additions to their forward group, adding a top-four defenseman like Chychrun could push them over the top and into playoff contention.
The two teams to keep an eye on are the Ducks and the Kings, as both teams have the prospects to get a deal done and are taking big steps forward. The Kings just went all in to bring Kevin Fiala to LA to improve their forward group; now it’s time for the defense.
Only time will tell if a deal will get done, as Arizona has been in no rush to ship him off unless they get the package they want. With Chychrun under contract until 2025, who knows how long this will go on for before the Coyotes finally accept a reasonable offer like the Blackhawks did for Alex DeBrincat.
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