Conflicting reports out of Edmonton following latest trade talks

The trade chatter might be intensifying when it comes to Arizona Coyotes defenseman Jakob Chychrun, but one reporter gets intense when rumours point to the Edmonton Oilers being involved.

You’ve probably guessed it’s Mark Spector who stated on Friday that the Oilers “ are NOT in on any Jakob Chychrun talks at this time.”

This was an answer prompted by recent chatter and reports, notably from ESPN’s Kevin Weekes that Edmonton could be an emerging front-runner for Chychrun’s services.

TSN’s Darren Dreger pointed out on Thursday night’s Insider Trading that the Coyotes still tell everybody that they’re willing to be patient, though it is believed they have softened to some degree at least in their expected return and are more willing now to take on a contract or contracts.

“Granted, you’ve got to have a first-round draft pick, you’ve got to have a prospect involved in all of this, so the ask is still high. Now some of the teams that are listed with interest include the Ottawa Senators, the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Edmonton Oilers, the Los Angeles Kings, the St. Louis Blues, the Columbus Blue Jackets and on and on it goes. However, it is a challenging one. Despite the quality of player and the contract, there’s some cap hurdles that many of teams I just mentioned are going to have to overcome.”

It’s been reported that the Coyotes seek assets that would include at least one first-round pick plus a top prospect or a good young NHL player in a trade for Chychrun. Spector cannot see the Oilers giving Philip Broberg or Dylan Holloway in a trade package. Forward Jesse Puljujarvi has been mentioned more than once in trade rumours lately, but Spector feels he won’t be enough for Arizona.

And so, does that mean the Oilers are out of the sweepstakes, as Spector believes?