Will The Arizona Coyotes Trade Jakob Chychrun This Summer?
Arizona Coyotes defenseman Jakob Chychrun was among the notable players expected to be moved before last month's trade deadline. Coyotes general manager Bill Armstrong opted to retain the 24-year-old in hope of getting better offers during the off-season but there's no certainty a rival club will meet the asking price.
Reports varied during the season over what Armstrong sought for Chychrun. On Jan. 8, Sportsnet's Jeff Marek reported he wanted a first-round pick, a top prospect and a good young player. On March 21, the Ottawa Sun's Bruce Garrioch claimed Armstrong was seeking three first-rounders and a high-quality prospect.
Speculation over Armstrong's price tag may vary but it appears he wants young assets as part of his rebuilding roster.
In a recent mailbag segment, GOPHNX.com's Craig Morgan indicated he didn't believe Chychrun wanted to waste three years of his playing prime as part of a rebuild. He also doesn't expect Armstrong will budge from his hefty price tag for the puck-moving blueliner. If no one's willing to meet it, the Coyotes GM won't trade him.
Chychrun is only a year removed from leading all defensemen with 18 goals in 56 games last season. He's still got plenty of prime playing years left, carries an affordable $4.6-million annual cap hit through 2024-25 and lacks no-trade protection.
Morgan suggested Chychrun's subpar performance this season followed by a season-ending injury didn't help his trade value. Still, that won't stop some of the teams linked to the young blueliner in the rumor mill from revisiting their interest. Suitors could include the Anaheim Ducks, Columbus Blue Jackets, Detroit Red Wings, Montreal Canadiens and Los Angeles Kings.
