Arizona Coyotes defenseman Jakob Chychrun has been the subject of trade rumors for weeks, but now there is a new layer to the drama.
Chychrun, who is expected to be shipped out of Arizona, sustained a lower-body injury over the weekend in a game against the Boston Bruins. As a result, one has to wonder what teams that are interested in the young star will make of this new development.
The original diagnosis was that the 23-year-old defenseman would miss two to four weeks, which means that potential suitors have seen the last of Chychrun in action prior to making a trade.
However, according to some NHL insiders, the injury may not deter teams from making a push for the blueliner.
As TSN reported last night, Jacob Chychrun’s injury may not be as serious as was originally feared. Could be back on the ice later this week. Still a strong chance he is traded with LA and Boston committed to staying in the hunt with multiple piece offers.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) March 16, 2022
It’s an encouraging report for sure, but could teams that are in talks with the Coyotes still deploy a cautious strategy? With the deadline closing in and teams jockeying for position, I would imagine that even if teams are cautious, Chychrun is just as valuable now as he was before the injury.
Will Chychrun’s injury impact his ability to be traded?
Regardless of the exact time frame for Chychrun’s return, the main takeaway here is that teams are still interested, and they should be.
It’s easy to see the word “injury” and immediately become concerned with what that could mean, but by all indications, Arizona’s defenseman will be no worse for wear. Besides, teams have already seen what they needed to see from the promising blueliner this year.
On the season, he has accumulated 21 points (seven goals and 14 assists), including two game-winning markers. His offensive numbers are down, however, from a season ago when he posted career-highs in goals (18), assists (23), and points (41).
I don’t think many people would blame Chychrun for his decreased production this season, as his Coyotes have been among the worst teams in hockey all season long. The team has been playing much better as of late, however, and so has number six.
Chychrun has raised his trade value in his last seven contests, as he has recorded at least one point in five of them, including four multi-point efforts. In total, he has five goals and five assists for 10 points in those seven games to go with a plus-eight rating.
His offensive ability yields a high upside, but he can also bring consistency to any team that might try to acquire him in the coming days. He plays nearly 23 minutes per game and has a strong presence on the ice at 6’2″ and 220 lbs.
Injury or no injury, Chychrun will find a new home at the deadline. The blueliner has played his final game as a member of the Coyotes, and in a matter of days, we’ll know where his new home will be.