For weeks, the Ottawa Senators were reportedly among several teams believed to be interested in acquiring Jakob Chychrun from the Arizona Coyotes. However, the rumored asking price appears to have put the 24-year-old defenseman out of reach.
The Ottawa Sun’s Bruce Garrioch reported Senators general manager Pierre Dorion had held talks with the Coyotes. However, he balked at what they wanted in return.
It’s believed that Coyotes GM Bill Armstrong wants a return of futures to continue replenishing his prospect stockpile. Opinions have varied with some reports suggesting he wants at least a first-rounder, a top prospect and a young NHL player.
The Athletic’s Ian Mendes recently reported former TSN reporter turned podcaster Brent Wallace said the Coyotes sought two first-rounders plus a prospect. Wallace also indicated they might be willing to take Nikita Zaitsev.
Zaitsev, 30, carries an average annual value of $4.5 million through 2023-24. Shipping him to the Coyotes would’ve made it easier for the Senators to absorb Chychrun’s $4.6-million cap hit through 2024-25.
Whatever the Coyotes’ true asking price, Dorion doesn’t seem willing to pay it.
Garrioch added that Dorion would still like to add another defenseman before training camp opens on Sept. 21. However, the Senators GM felt he’s put together a competitive roster for the coming season.
The Senators could use depth on the right side among their top-four blueliners. The pickings are slim in the free-agent market, with the only notables available being past-their-prime rearguards such as P.K. Subban, Anton Stralman and Michael Stone.
Dorion could turn to the trade market to add a defenseman. He could also wait and see what options become available on the waiver wire as teams adjust their rosters leading up to the start of the season.
