Is a deal between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Arizona Coyotes for Jakob Chychrun close to being finalized?
Anyone following Chychrun on Instagram would assume so based on Chychrun’s recent actions. On Saturday, February 4th, Chychrun removed the Arizona Coyotes from his Instagram bio. He then started following Toronto Maple Leafs players such as Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and Michael Bunting.
Does the Arizona defenseman know something we don’t? His online actions would lead fans to believe so. As exciting as this might seem, nothing is official until the Maple Leafs announce a trade. That has yet to happen, so Toronto fans are left wondering.
We are in the midst of trade rumor season, so it is not surprising to see how fans are reacting to Chychrun’s online activity. Toronto’s defense is an area that many think Toronto general manager Kyle Dubas should improve before the March 3rd NHL trade deadline. We will have to wait and see if Chychrun is his guy or if Toronto adds someone else.
Toronto Maple Leafs and Jakob Chychrun
Acquiring Jakob Chychrun will not be cheap, especially if the Toronto Maple Leafs get the Coyotes to retain 50% of Chychrun’s contract.
Depending on which player(s) go to the Coyotes in the trade, Toronto would find it difficult to fit Chychrun’s full $4.6 million contract within their salary cap. Having him in Toronto at 50% retained ($2.3 million) for the next two and a half seasons would be a massive win for the Leafs. (Salary cap info from capfriendly.com)
Earlier in the season, the asking price for Chychrun was reported to be either two first-round picks or a first-round pick plus a top prospect. That is a high asking price, but not one out of Kyle Dubas’ reach. Dubas likely won’t be reluctant to move first rounders with his team among the best in the NHL at this time.
The hard part will be parting ways with one of Michael Knies, Frazer Minten, Ty Voit, or Topi Niemela. Toronto would need to add to that if they want the Coyotes to retain some of Chychrun’s salary. Will Dubas be willing to part with another first-round pick or another top prospect?
Dubas has a lot riding on Toronto doing well in the playoffs this season. Another early exit could mean Toronto doesn’t bring him back as their GM next season. If he is going all in this season, then adding additional prospects or picks to acquire Chychrun is a no-brainer.