The NHL trade deadline draws near, and Arizona Coyotes defenseman Jakob Chychrun has still been linked in rumors and speculations to a handful of teams.
It's been over two weeks since the Arizona Coyotes held Jakob Chychrun out of the lineup for “trade-related reasons.” That prompted speculation suggesting the 24-year-old defenseman would soon be moved after spending months as the subject of trade rumors.
Since then, however, there's no sign that a deal is imminent. With Friday's trade deadline fast approaching, the rumor mill continues to churn out potential destinations for Chychrun.
Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported on Feb. 22 that the Los Angeles Kings “definitely pitched” for Chychrun. That deal is likely dead since the Kings' acquisition of Vladislav Gavrikov from the Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday evening. Friedman also speculated the St. Louis Blues could take a look at the Arizona blueliner.
The Athletic's Rob Rossi reported sources claiming that Pittsburgh coach Mike Sullivan wanted Penguins GM Ron Hextall to trade for Chychrun. However, Hextall was unwilling to do so because the Coyotes sought the Penguins' first-round picks in 2025 and 2026 as part of the return.
Rossi's colleague Aaron Portzline reported sources claiming the Columbus Blue Jackets had hoped to trade Gavrikov to the Boston Bruins and then offer the first-rounder they hoped to receive from Boston to the Coyotes as part of an offer for Chychrun. That opportunity fell apart when the Bruins acquired Dmitry Orlov from the Washington Capitals.
TSN's Pierre LeBrun reported the Capitals had “substantial talks” with the Coyotes. He also said the Buffalo Sabres were keeping tabs on the situation.
Coyotes GM Bill Armstrong doesn't have to move Chychrun by Friday. With the blueliner under contract for two more seasons, Armstrong can wait for the off-season if he doesn't receive a suitable offer by deadline day.