After missing out Jakob Chychrun at last year's deadline, the Pittsburgh Penguins might give him another look.

PITTSBURGH – With a new year comes new trade speculation around the NHL, but for the Pittsburgh Penguins, maybe they need to take a look at a familiar name that they missed out on last season.

In what turned out to be Ron Hextall’s last trade deadline as Penguins’ general manager, he took a hard look at defenseman Jakob Chychrun from the Arizona Coyotes. At the time the 24-year-old blue liner was one his way out of Arizona but the Penguins just weren’t willing to give up what was being asked.

Chychrun was eventually dealt to the Ottawa Senators for a 2023 first round draft pick and second round picks from 2024 and 2026. While that was a price the Penguins could have afforded, Hextall decided against it.

Now, with Kyle Dubas at the helm, maybe the Penguins should give Ottawa a call about Chychrun.

According to Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff, teams have asked about Chychrun and the Senators haven’t said he’s off the table. It’s not that Chychrun is actively available, but the Senators aren’t sure if he fits their plans for the future.

The Senators have locked up a number of quality young players like Tim Stutzle, Brady Tkachuk, and Thomas Chabot who will help carry the team to Stanley Cup contention for years to come, but Chychrun likely doesn’t fit the bill.

Chychrun’s contract expires after the 2024-25 season, making him a bit more than a rental for potential buyers, but also unlikely to stick in Ottawa long-term. He earns $4.6 million against the salary cap, which would make him tough to fit for the Penguins, but not impossible.

If the Penguins wanted to take another swing at Chychrun, it would seem likely that P.O. Joseph would go the other way. He’s struggled with Pittsburgh this year and his spot in the lineup isn’t set in stone. Plus, his brother Mathieu plays in Ottawa making it an attractive destination.

Not only did the Penguins poke around on Chychrun last year with Hextall, but Dubas as general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs was also pursuing Chychrun. Dubas and the Leafs pulled out before the deadline, but seemed to be involved.

The Penguins were close to nabbing Chychrun last year, maybe a new regime will kick the tires on the skilled defender. It already seems like the Penguins are looking into blue liners and Chychrun is having another good offensive year. In 35 games played he’s scored seven goals and 18 assists for 25 total points.

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