Surprise front-runner emerges in Jakob Chychrun sweepstakes as trade interest intensifies

Jakob Chychrun has confirmed last week that he still wants out of Arizona. The defenseman has been linked to the Ottawa Senators, though the Canadian team isn’t the only suitor for his services. Sportsnet’s Jeff Marek and Elliotte Friedman weighed in on Chychrun’s situation on a recent “32 Thoughts” podcast with the latter suggesting that the Blues were interested in the Coyotes’ blue liner.

However, insider Kevin Weekes believes a front-runner could emerge in the Edmonton Oilers as he mentioned on ESPN Radio.

“Jakob Chychrun to the Oilers is starting pick up heat faster than expected.”

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.”

There is a lingering feeling that GM Bill Armstrong won’t lower his asking price. GOPHNX.COM’s Craig Morgan believes Armstrong wants assets that would include at least one first-round pick plus a top prospect or a good young NHL player. Would the Oilers offer that much to go all in and land Chychrun in a sweepstakes that heats up every day?

You have to keep a close eye on this one!