Insider Suggests A Frontrunner in the Jakub Chychrun Sweepstakes

Jakub Chychrun is soon to be traded by the Arizona Coyotes.

At least, that is the sense that those in-the-know describe with regards to the young defender. Elliotte Friedman's latest tidbit on the situation is that a trade could happen any day but has not been close as of yet. Arizona has been more than willing to parlay for Chychrun's services but are in no position to accept a less-than superior offer.


And rightfully so. Chychrun is just 24 and, despite an injury concern or two, has a promising future ahead of him, with 142 points in 337 games for the Coyotes. The Yotes are still several years away from any serious contention, but Chychrun's role on the team could expand into leadership before long.


Perhaps GM Bill Armstrong realizes that Chychrun's timeline does not lineup with the team's, and a trade makes the most sense for both sides. He would yield Arizona a considerable return consisting solely of futures, which falls more in line with Armstrong's timeline.

Further to Friedman's report, the Ottawa Senators are believed to be the frontrunner for Chychrun with forward Shane Pinto, the Sens' 32nd-overall pick in 2019, being Arizona's asking price. Pinto has 8 points in 17 NHL games so far and could provide Ottawa with a strong center option in their bottom-six. Perhaps they are not jumping to move him, even for someone like Chychrun. Friedman reports, however, the Senators do not appear interested in moving Pinto.


TopDown Hockey's model (TDH) projects a bullish trend for Pinto, and his production rate in the NHL so far suggests the same. Arizona is smart for trying to poach him in a Chychrun trade.

If Ottawa can land Chychrun, their defense would get arguably the best available option in a much-needed upgrade. GM Pierre Dorion loaded up on offensive weapons, but he is relying on Erik Brannstrom, Jake Sanderson and/or Jacob Bernard-Docker to fill the games. The Sens could use a proven talent on their blue line.