Although Jakob Chychrun's been a healthy scratch for trade-related reasons, there are still many rumors as to where the Arizona Coyotes will move him to.
The Arizona Coyotes raised eyebrows on Saturday by announcing Jakob Chychrun was being held out of the lineup for “trade-related reasons.” It appeared the 24-year-old defenseman was on the verge of being traded after months of speculation stretching back to last season.
Since then, the rumor mill has been abuzz over where Chychrun could end up. Sportsnet's Jeff Marek reported the Edmonton Oilers and Toronto Maple Leafs denied they were potential destinations. He also said the Los Angeles Kings “poured cold water” on the notion, but Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli tweeted there was “lots of smoke” connecting the Kings to Chychrun.
NHL insider Nick Kypreos claimed Chychrun was believed headed to the Kings with prospect Brandt Clarke as part of the return to the Coyotes. However, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported the Kings weren't parting with Clarke or young center Quinton Byfield.
TSN's Chris Johnston said the Kings remain the front-runners, but it appears the Coyotes are no closer to moving Chychrun. Friedman, meanwhile, believes talks between the two clubs hit a snag over a contract regarding a secondary player in the trade.
The Ottawa Sun's Bruce Garrioch reported the Oilers and Leafs were among the clubs that had stepped up efforts to land Chychrun. The Score's Josh Wegman noted the Columbus Blue Jackets, Ottawa Senators and St. Louis Blues had been linked to the Coyotes rearguard, while a source told Boston Hockey Now's Jimmy Murphy that the Bruins were also among the suitors.
Garrioch reported the Senators were in the mix but found the Coyotes' asking price too high. Florida Hockey Now's George Richards ruled out the Panthers, while NYI Hockey Now's Stefen Rosner cited a source saying the Islanders weren't believed to be pursuing Chychrun.