Edmonton Oilers: Is Defensemen Jakob Chychrun a good fit?
With the NHL season officially on pause through Christmas break, the number of highlights, news, and rumors have significantly dropped, and the next few days for hockey fans will be the longest in a while.
But, the one thing that keeps coming up when the Edmonton Oilers are discussed, is Coyotes star defensemen Jakob Chychrun, who according to multiple insiders and league sources is available for trade as Arizona continues to tank to the bottom of the standings this season. Chychrun, who is 23 years old, has arguably been the best Coyote since joining the team during the 2016-17 season.
Stats, History & Analysis:
Standing at 6’2, 220 Pounds, Jakob Chychrun is arguably one of the best defenders in the NHL. The Coyotes have been lucky to have a two-way player his caliber on the roster for as long as they have.
Chychrun was drafted 16th overall in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft after a 49 point season in the OHL with the Sarnia Sting, and an impressive showing on Canada’s U-18 team, racking up 4 points in 7 games with the “A” on his jersey. In his first season with the Coyotes, Chychrun racked up 20 points in 68 games and quickly became a household name league-wide.
Players and fans around the league quickly realized how skilled he really was, not only in his own end but with the puck on his stick as well. Through his 6 year career so far, Chychrun is debated as one of the best two-way defensemen in the NHL.
Mock Trade
The Oilers would likely have to give up quite a bit, and/or take on more salary if they wanted to bring in Jakob Chychrun. A mock trade could look something like this:
Oilers Acquire:
Jakob Chychrun
Phil Kessel
Coyotes Acquire:
Philipp Broberg
Mikko Koskinen
Raphael Lavoie
1st Round Pick
2nd Round Pick
Chychrun could step into the Oilers’ top pairing, while Kessel could take up almost any spot on the bottom 6 wings. The veteran winger is not happy in Arizona and has wanted out for a while, the Oilers could use his offensive skill throughout the lineup.