The post Maple Leafs Consideration: Why Would Coyotes Trade Chychrun? appeared first on NHL Trade Talk.
There’s one question I want to ask that seems to be missed in my reading. It’s this. If Jakob Chychrun is so good; and, on such a good contract; and, is such an impact player, why would the Arizona Coyotes want to trade him?
At some point, even if you could get lots of prospects and draft choices for him, why? Isn’t it highly speculative that you’d get what he’s worth – that is if he’s so darn good?
Related: Maple Leafs News & Rumors: Matthews, Meier, Schenn & Douglas
There Are (I Suppose) Reasons Why the Coyotes Might Want to Move Him
I suppose there might be some reasons why a team would consider trading a talented young defenseman like Chychrun. One possible reason could be financial. We know that the Coyotes have faced financial struggles in recent years. They might be looking to cut costs in any way possible.
Jakob Chychrun Toronto Maple Leafs’ rumors
Another second reason could be that the Coyotes see an opportunity to get a significant return for Chychrun, perhaps in the form of draft picks, prospects, or other players who could help the team over the long term. Perhaps they see him as a necessary pawn in their moves for a complete rebuild.
Why Is He Not Gone Yet?
However, it’s important to note that, even if the Coyotes are willing to trade Chychrun, they will likely be looking for a significant return in any trade they make. Everything we see says that Chychrun is a talented young defenseman with a favorable contract. Therefore, any team interested in acquiring him will need to be willing to pay a steep price.
Maple Leafs reportedly looking at Jakob Chychrun as a big name target https://t.co/WXIYzZ8ldm
— TheLeafsNation (@TLNdc) February 10, 2023
I would guess that one reason Chychrun hasn’t been moved is that the Coyotes – as they should I think – are playing team against team. It that’s the case, they’re likely looking to find the one team that would “overspend” for his services. They have started by asking for the moon.
Might This Mean That Chychrun Might Stay in Arizona?
My guess is that the Coyotes are playing the hardest of hardball with other teams. They’ll wait until they get something overwhelming before they take the swing on a trade. That might also mean that the Coyotes will trade him – but, only if. Only if another team comes up with the “right price.”
And, if that “right price” doesn’t come, perhaps the Coyotes won’t move him at all. Or, perhaps they’ll wait until the draft. Perhaps there they could expand the number of teams that might wish to go all-in on the gifted defenseman. The draft would include both teams that make the playoffs this season and teams that will not. The more teams in the hunt the better if you’re the Coyotes.
Related: Three Takeaways from Maple Leafs’ 5-2 Win Over the Blackhawks
Whatever Happens, Chychrun Will Generate Interest
There’s no doubt that Chychrun would generate significant interest from several teams. However, similar to all trades, it’s important to note the number of complex variables at play when it comes to making any potential trade.
Right now, the Coyotes probably have some offers on the table. However, as the March 3 trade deadline approaches, they’ll likely get more. That said, it’s impossible to predict with certainty what kind of return the Coyotes would get for Chychrun.
Maple Leafs Mailbag: Jakob Chychrun trade coming? Value trade targets?
