How well would a guy like Jakob Chychrun fit on the Pittsburgh Penguins blue line?
PITTSBURGH - The NHL trade deadline continues to draw near as a majority of the teams, not including the Pittsburgh Penguins, are making moves to bolster their lineups.
To say the Penguins have been radio silent would be totally fair; general manager Ron Hextall hasn’t made a move and the team hasn’t appeared in too many rumors.
One name that Hextall has been linked to, however, is defenseman Jakob Chychrun of the Arizona Coyotes.
While the link between Hextall and Chychrun is there, it’s more head coach Mike Sullivan who wants the young defensemen.
According to Rob Rossi of the Athletic, Sullivan is in favor of Chycrhun on the Penguins blue line, while Hextall doesn’t want to meet the Coyotes asking price.
The Coyotes are reportedly looking for at least a pair of first round picks in the package; in Hextall’s defense, that’s a big ask.
Hextall has also said that he has no plans of moving out hufe assets for a rental; Chychrun wouldn’t be a rental, however.
There are two years following this one left on Chychrun’s contract at $4.6 million.
A pair of firsts is still a lot to ask, but one has to wonder if he makes sense for the Penguins at this moment in time.
The answer is, yes, absolutely. Chychrun is more than a perfect fit in the Penguins defense core that needs a true top line left shot.
Kris Letang is still holding down the right side, but has been paired with the declining Brian Dumoulin for too long.
Marcus Pettersson is an idea, but he just doesn’t strike anyone as a top line guy right now; P.O. Joseph is also intriguing, but not yet, he’s still too young.
Adding Chychrun might come at a high price, but the results might outweigh the cost.
Through the 36 games Chychrun has played this season, he has scored seven goals and 21 assists for 28 points.
Chychrun has been held out for ‘trade related reasons’ for over two weeks now, the Penguins need to swoop in and finish the job.
Hextall needs to work his way back into the good graces of the Penguins fan base, and a blockbuster deal like that would do wonders.
Make sure you bookmark Inside the Penguins for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns and so much more!
Penguins Back in Market for Depth Forward
Ron Hextall Botched Penguins With Kasperi Kapanen
Penguins vs. Lightning: Evgeni Malkin Takes Over
Penguins Snap Losing Streak with Overtime Victory in St. Louis
Penguins Lose Kasperi Kapanen to Waivers
- undefined
- undefined