The Arizona Coyotes have reported that 19-year-old defenseman Jakob Chychrun has undergone knee surgery and is out indefinitely. This is a big blow to the Coyotes organization, as Chychrun was expected to be a big part of the defensive corps in 2016-17.
Jakob Chychrun Undergoes Knee Surgery, Out Indefinitely
The injury to Chychrun’s knee was suffered during off-season training. He underwent surgery to repair his knee, and the Coyotes have stated that he is out indefinitely. General manager John Chayka stated that there will be an update on the status of Chychrun’s recovery during training camp on September 14th. However, Chychrun is expected to make a full recovery.
OFFICIAL: Chychrun Suffers Knee Injury, Undergoes Surgery https://t.co/UqklCcHBds
— Arizona Coyotes (@ArizonaCoyotes) August 3, 2017
Chychrun looks to be a steal from last years draft for Chayka and the Coyotes organization. He was widely believed to be one of the best, if not the best, defensive prospect heading into the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, but fell nonethless. The Coyotes scooped up Chychrun at 16th overall, a decision that has looked to pay off.
In 2016-17, his rookie season, Chychrun played in 68 games for Arizona. During this time he had seven goals and 13 assists. Of the defenseman who played 41-or-more games for the Coyotes last season, Chychrun had the third highest Corsi-For Percentage with a 45.11, trailing only Alex Goligoski (45.40) and Connor Murphy (46.32).
Before being drafted by the Coyotes Chychrun was plying his trade in the OHL with the Sarnia Sting. In his first season with Sarnia in 2014-15 he had 16 goals, 17 assists, and 37 penalty minutes in 42 games. He improved on those numbers in his second, and last, season in 2015-16 with 11 goals, 38 assists, and 51 penalty minutes in 62 games.
Chychrun is currently going into his second season of his three-year entry-level contract given to him by the Coyotes last season. The three-year deal pays him $832,500 in base salary plus $92,500 in signing bonuses and $425,000 in playing bonuses.
Main Photo:
