Arizona Coyotes defenseman Jakob Chychrun has been the subject of trade speculation for months. On Wednesday, he admitted that he has asked to be moved to a contender.
Speaking with reporters during the opening day of Coyotes training camp, Chychrun said he had plenty of discussion with his family before making the request. The 24-year-old blueliner claimed he’s been in constant communication with management about the matter and remains hopeful that they can accommodate his request.
Chychrun spent his entire seven-year NHL career with the Coyotes. They only reached the playoffs once during that time, during the COVID-shortened 2019-20 season as the result of a play-in round. He believes he’s reached the point in his career where he’d like to contend for the Stanley Cup. He’s
Despite suffering several injuries in his NHL career, Chychrun’s puck-moving skills and affordable $4.6-million cap hit through 2024-25 make him an enticing trade commodity.
Coyotes general manager Bill Armstrong is said to be seeking a package that advances his ongoing rebuild of the Coyotes. It’s believed he wants one or two first-round picks, a top prospect, or a good young NHL player as part of the return.
Armstrong entertained offers for Chychrun prior to the 2022 trade deadline and into the off-season. The Columbus Blue Jackets and Ottawa Senators were reportedly interested during the off-season but found the asking price too high, a refrain frequently heard in the rumor mill throughout the summer.
Chychrun’s public admission of his trade request ensures he’ll remain a fixture in the rumor mill. Time will tell if it entices a contender to meet Armstrong’s asking price or pressures the Coyotes GM to seek a lesser return.
