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    Lyle Richardson
    Lyle Richardson
    Dec 16, 2021, 16:00

    The only player considered untouchable was Jakob Chychrun but some people speculate GM Bill Armstrong could entertain offers for the 23-year-old defenseman.

    The only player considered untouchable was Jakob Chychrun but some people speculate GM Bill Armstrong could entertain offers for the 23-year-old defenseman.

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    Arizona Coyotes general manager Bill Armstrong was among this year's busiest general managers, shipping out several veterans for draft picks and prospects as he commenced rebuilding his roster. The only player considered untouchable was Jakob Chychrun but Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman speculated Armstrong could entertain offers for the 23-year-old defenseman.

    Armstrong declined to comment but Friedman reported the Coyotes GM set a massive asking price for Chychrun but it wasn't scaring off potential suitors. No details were provided but we can assume it would include at least a first-round pick, a top prospect and a good young NHL-ready player.

    Cap Friendly indicates Chychrun is signed through 2024-25 with an affordable salary-cap hit of $4.6 million. He lacks no-trade protection until 2023-24 when his 10-team no-trade clause kicks in.

    Chychrun has just seven points in 26 games with a league-worst plus-minus of minus-29 but that reflects the depleted roster he's playing on this season. He enjoyed a career-high 41 points last season and led all defensemen with 18 goals. Some pundits included him among their candidates for Team Canada at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.

    Armstrong may have changed his mind about Chychrun being a player to build around. Perhaps he's received enough calls about the skillful puck-moving blueliner that's he's at least willing to see what the talented rearguard could fetch in the trade market.

    Assuming Armstrong is willing to move Chychrun that could be a deal that gets done during the offseason. Most trades tend to involve players on expiring contracts, especially in the weeks leading up to the trade deadline.