As the NHL offseason heats up, so too do the trade rumors. One of the most intriguing stories swirling around involves Ottawa Senators defenseman Jakob Chychrun.
Fresh off a productive season where he played all 82 games and amassed 41 points, Chychrun’s value is arguably at its peak. However, with just one year remaining on his contract and a hefty cap hit, the Senators face a difficult decision.
The Senators’ Dilemma
The Senators have a wealth of talent on the left side of their blue line, with Thomas Chabot and Jake Sanderson locked up long-term. The financial reality is that re-signing Chychrun to a contract commensurate with his value is simply not feasible. This has led to speculation that Senators GM Steve Staios may be exploring trade options.
Enter the Philadelphia Flyers
According to Tim Baines of the Ottawa Sun, rumblings of a potential trade between the Senators and Philadelphia Flyers have been gaining momentum. The Flyers, in need of a top-pairing defenseman, could view Chychrun as the missing piece to their puzzle. It’s been reported that the Senators have their sights set on Flyers forward Scott Laughton, indicating a preference for established talent over draft picks or prospects.
Analyzing the Potential Deal
From the Senators’ perspective, acquiring Laughton would address their need for a versatile, two-way forward who can contribute offensively and provide a veteran presence. For the Flyers, landing Chychrun would give them a bonafide number-one defenseman capable of logging heavy minutes and quarterbacking their power play.
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A great trade for the Senators, a good winger, nothing expensive, and we rush into much higher into the finals.