Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The Jakob Chrychrun trade conjecture has been overshadowed this week by Evander Kane’s search for a new NHL club and John Klingberg’s uncertain future with the Dallas Stars. Nevertheless, the 23-year-old Arizona Coyotes defenseman remains a hot topic in the rumor mill.
Matt Larkin recently examined possible trade destinations for Chychrun, including the Ottawa Senators and Toronto Maple Leafs among the suitors he felt were worth watching. However, the Ottawa Sun’s Bruce Garrioch doubts the Senators will get into the bidding while the Toronto Star’s Kevin McGran believes the Leafs’ limited salary-cap space will limit them to low-cost rental players.
Larkin also had the Florida Panthers among his possible trade partners. Florida Hockey Now’s George Richards believes the Panthers will be buyers this season. While he included the Coyotes rearguard among their potential targets, he’s not sure they have sufficient trade capital to win a bidding war for Chychrun.
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman cited colleague Jeff Marek mentioning the Anaheim Ducks, Los Angeles Kings and St. Louis Blues with deep interest in Chychrun. The Ducks and Kings have plenty of promising prospects and young NHL players to make competitive bids. However, the Blues’ limited salary-cap space means shedding around $5 million from their payroll to make room for his $4.6 million annual cap hit.
Friedman also suggested the Carolina Hurricanes as a destination as Chychrun’s contract is “right in their wheelhouse.” Like the Blues, however, they’ll have to ship out a comparable salary to squeeze him within their limited cap space.
With Chychrun under contract through 2024-25, the Coyotes are in no hurry to shop him this season. If no one meets their asking price, they can wait until the offseason when teams are usually more willing to swing big trades.
