Jakob Chychrun Trade Merry-Go-Round Continues to Spin

The constant buzz on a possible Jakob Chychrun trade continues to hit the NHL rumor mill as the new 2022-23 season approaches. NHL insider, Darren Dreger while appearing on TSN’s Insider Trading alluded to the fact that up to six teams are STILL interested in adding the 24-year-old defenseman. The teams all sound familiar, as Chychrun’s possible new home, if he gets dealt. The Los Angeles Kings, Toronto Maple Leafs, Ottawa Senators, Edmonton Oilers, St. Louis Blues, and Columbus Blue Jackets have all thought about acquiring the blueliner and his reasonable $4.6 million contract with three years remaining.

Jakob Chychrun Has no Interest in Staying in Arizona

Now, there have been plenty of NHL players who want to be moved, and that doesn’t mean it will happen. Still, Chychrun wasted no words when asked about his future (or lack thereof) in Arizona. He wants to be moved, and doesn’t see any sense in wasting years away while the Coyotes go through a lengthy rebuild. He wants to win, and it seems that the trend lately is to try to accommodate a player who doesn’t feel happy. Coyotes insider Craig Morgan doesn’t necessarily believe that Chychrun is going anywhere.

Thoughts on the Jakob Chychrun-to-Ottawa chatter:
Is Ottawa a possibility? Sure.
Are other teams in the mix? Yes.
Is it certain that he'll be traded before the season? Not at all.
AZ doesn't need to trade him & Bill Armstrong has demonstrated that he'll stick to his asking price.

— Not the country music singer Craig Morgan (@CraigSMorgan) August 18, 2022

Elliotte Friedman on his 32 Thoughts podcast (exaggeration season at the 11:25 mark) feels that the Blues are gaining interest in Chychrun. He also feels that the Senators won’t give Arizona Shane Pinto in any proposed deal. Ottawa has the most cap space to complete a deal with $5.7 million available. The Coyotes are willing to “take on a contract or contracts” to help a move come to fruition. This naturally, could result in Arizona landing more assets for helping a team out.

Scandella Injured

The Blues recently learned that left defenseman Marco Scandella will miss six months after he had hip surgery. Could the Blues be talking to GM Bill Armstrong about acquiring Chychrun? Scandella will be going on LTIR and his $3.275 million contract won’t count against the cap. That means if a deal can be consummated, there is only a $1.325 million difference in salaries. The Blues are at $625,000 in cap space now, so it can be worked out.

The Coyotes could be interested in acquiring Logan Brown, a huge forward who stands 6-foot-6, 220 pounds. His cap hit is $750,000, and he is an RFA after this season. Then, add in a talented prospect like Jake Neighbours with a first-round pick, and there could be a deal brewing.

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Right Now, it Appears That the Blues Need a Defenseman

The exact situation that Armstrong had hoped for is falling into place. He always waits patiently for a team to have an urgent need and then he has the negotiating advantage. The thing that makes this work for Chychrun is his desire to go to a team with Stanley Cup ambitions… and possibilities. The Blues have participated in the postseason nine out of the last ten seasons, including winning the Cup in 2018-19. That’s the kind of success that Chychrun wants to be a part of going forward.

There is little doubt that Chychrun can fill in admirably for Scandella, and the way hip surgeries go his status once recovered could be questionable. No doubt, the Blues see something in Chychrun they like even with his history of injuries. He stays in excellent shape and recovers from injuries quickly.

Chychrun’s Future is Still an Unknown

Ok, he wants to be traded. Armstrong has been adamant about the return he sees fit to accept. Don’t forget where Armstrong came from. He knows the Blues organization and is familiar with the GM with same last name as his. Right now, it appears that the Blues may be the best option. Chychrun would be part of a winning team with a good shot at playing for another Cup. That appears to be his desire. Now, whether that happens or not is yet to be determined.