The Jakob Chychrun saga has finally come to an end.
After 15 long months following the star defenceman’s trade request, Chychrun was finally dealt to the Ottawa Senators Wednesday evening, just days prior to the NHL Trade Deadline. Chychrun had been scratched due to “trade related reasons” since February 11th, but is expected to suit up on Thursday when the Senators take on the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden.
The former all-star has 28 points in just 36 games this season, strong offensive stats for a defenceman. He also boasts a +8 +/- rating which is impressive considering that he was playing for the basement-dwelling Arizona Coyotes. An AAV of 4.6M and two more years to go on his current contract made Chychrun a valuable piece, not just for the on-ice product, but also because of his cap-friendly deal, though the return for Chychrun was quite underwhelming, as all Arizona GM Bill Armstrong was able to acquire was a 2023 protected first round draft pick (OTT), a 2024 conditional second round draft pick (WSH), and a 2026 second round draft pick (OTT).
Ottawa GM Pierre Dorion played the situation very well in my mind, waiting until the last minute for the price to drop, and then swooping in and snagging Chychrun after many other potential suitors had chosen to move on and make other acquisitions.
In the earlier stages of the rumors surrounding the Senators newest addition, it was sounding like the asking price would be two first round picks minimum, plus other draft picks, prospects, and roster players. The fact that Dorion was able to make such a high profile trade without losing any prospects or players is astonishing.
This deal also reminds me of the Alex DeBrincat trade back in July, where the Senators added an elite sniper on the wing for just first, second, and third rounders whereas the asking price at that time seemed to be higher. These trades, along with the signing of veteran Claude Giroux and young guns Brady Tkachuk and Tim Stützle show promise for what the front office of this team can do, and with new ownership around the corner, the Senators will certainly be one of the powerhouses of the NHL for years to come.
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