Why Coyotes Should Prioritize Jakob Chychrun Trade amid Latest NHL Rumors

The Arizona Coyotes, currently undergoing a rebuild, will begin the 2022-23 season on Oct. 13. They may not be a Stanley Cup contender, but they're hoping to make progress after missing the playoffs each of the past two years.

Although the Coyotes' first regular-season matchup against the Pittsburgh Penguins is less than two weeks away, there's still one major question involving Arizona's roster: Will Jakob Chychrun be a part of it?

Trade rumors have been swirling about the 24-year-old Chychrun, who has been with the Coyotes since they picked him in the first round of the 2016 NHL draft. He may be young, but he already has six years of experience in the league.

According to TSN's Darren Dreger, Chychrun wants out of Arizona. And although the Coyotes "still tell everybody that they're willing to be patient" in negotiations, per Dreger, things may be picking up here shortly.

"What is clear now as the regular season is fast approaching is that the trade interest in Chychrun is once again intensifying," Dreger said on TSN's Insider Trading. "Some say that the Coyotes have softened to some degree at least in their expected return and are more willing now to take on a contract or contracts."

Dreger reported that Arizona's asking price is "still high," as it likely expects to receive a first-round draft pick and/or a top prospect in exchange for Chychrun. So a team will need to part with some valuable assets in order to complete a deal with the Coyotes.

However, there are plenty of teams that are potentially willing to do just that.

"Some of the teams that are listed with interest include the Ottawa Senators, the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Edmonton Oilers, the Los Angeles Kings, the St. Louis Blues, the Columbus Blue Jackets and on and on it goes," Dreger said.

With so many suitors, Arizona should likely try to orchestrate a trade soon. If Chychrun wants a fresh start, it would be better for both him and the Coyotes to get that before a new season.

It makes sense why there are a large number of teams interested in Chychrun. He's been a solid offensive contributor during his time in Arizona, tallying 142 points (53 goals and 89 assists) in 337 career games.

But the Coyotes also haven't been the best team during that stretch, and there haven't been a ton of talented players next to Chychrun on the ice. So if he joins a playoff contender, he may put up even better numbers. Especially because he likely hasn't yet reached his full potential.

Chychrun has three seasons remaining on his contract, as he won't hit free agency until 2025. That's another reason why teams should be willing to part with substantial draft capital, as it'd be getting him for more than just the short term.

At this point, it makes sense for the Coyotes to trade Chychrun as soon as possible. He wants to leave, and if he were to get injured early in the season, it could negatively impact the offers that Arizona would be receiving. Now is the opportune time to make something happen on this front.