With the trade deadline a week away, it is crunch time for most teams and the NHL rumours start getting hotter and hotter. Everyone is trying to get their ducks in a row and figure out the moves they will make next. With all the big names going off the board early, there are still a few heavy hitters out there. Today’s rumours swirl around defenceman Jakob Chychrun.
NHL Rumours: Washington Capitals Interested In Jakob Chychrun
NHL Rumour: Washington Capitals emerge interested in Jakob Chychrun
It’s clear the Capitals are hoping to reset on the fly. Jake Chychrun is a player of interest for Washington. Including the 1st acquired from Boston, the Caps have the pick currency to make it work. The Chychrun saga has been ongoing since Nov, 2021.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) February 24, 2023
The Washington Capitals have made a ton of noise lately. They struck a blockbuster deal with the Boston Bruins. Out the door is Dmitry Orlov and Garnet Hathaway. With the playoff hopes fading quickly, selling off expiring contracts for assets is a smooth move. It does not signal a full-scale rebuild but recognizes what the reality is in the season. It is not their year, however, they are generating interest in Arizona Coyotes defenseman Jakob Chychrun. After their trade with Boston, they have the ammo to pry him away.
Why The Interest In A Defenceman
The interest for the Capitals and Chychrun makes sense and has been ongoing for a while. As mentioned above, the team won’t fully rebuild while Alex Ovechkin is still playing. They still have a good core in place and can compete beyond this season. A group highlighted by Nicklas Backstrom, TJ Oshie, Tom Wilson, John Carlson, and Darcy Kuemper signals they want to still compete.
The interest makes sense from a roster-building standpoint. Beyond this season, only one defenceman is locked up for the Capitals. Bodies are needed and Chychrun would be a great piece to build around. Chychrun has been stellar since returning from his injury and has been near a point-per-game defenseman for the lowly Arizona Coyotes. His style of play and ability to transition would go well for the talented forwards upfront.
Main Photo: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
