Report: Bruins among teams ‘seriously in the chase' for Jakob Chychrun

Share

You could make a strong case that acquiring a top-four defenseman would be the most impactful move the Boston Bruins could make ahead of the March 21 NHL trade deadline.

Sure, a No. 2 center would be a great addition as well. Although, Erik Haula has played quite well in that role since the Bruins went to a new-look second line with Taylor Hall and David Pastrnak on his wings. 

A lack of defensive depth burned the Bruins in last season's second-round Stanley Cup Playoff loss to the New York Islanders. Preventing that scenario from happening again should be a priority for Boston before this trade deadline.

Ranking Bruins' best assets to use at 2022 NHL trade deadline

The top defenseman rumored to be available is Arizona Coyotes star Jakob Chychrun. 

TSN's Darren Dreger reported Tuesday night an update on Chychrun's status on the trade market, and he listed the Bruins among the teams "seriously" in the mix.

"At this point eight teams are seriously in the chase for Jakob Chychrun," Dreger said during the "Insider Trading" segment. "But again, we’ve reported so much on this. Based on the amount that Bill Armstrong and the Arizona Coyotes need to move the 23-year-old defenseman – good news for us here at TSN – this could come right down to the wire on March 21 based on the package required.

Boston Bruins

Find the latest Boston Bruins news, highlights, analysis and more with NBC Sports Boston.

Sweeney gives update on Bruins' plans ahead of NHL trade deadline

Bruins' shutout win vs. Wild was a blueprint for team's playoff push

"Now, it’s Florida, it’s L.A., it’s Boston, it’s St. Louis, it’s Carolina, it’s Anaheim among the primary suitors. But again, we’re inside two weeks from the trade deadline. It could come down to March 21."

Chychrun is an excellent player. He's a legit top-four defenseman who plays 20-plus minutes per game, contributes to the power play and penalty kill, and plays the left side of the blue line. A first pairing of Chychrun and Charlie McAvoy, or a second pairing of Chychrun and Brandon Carlo would be a significant boost to Boston's blue line.

Chychrun also fits the profile of players that Bruins general manager Don Sweneey has acquired over the last few years, and that is guys with term on their contract or rentals who could be re-signed in the offseason. 

The Coyotes star is signed through the 2024-25 season at a very team-friendly salary cap hit of $4.6 million, per CapFriendly. Therefore, he's a player who can help the B's in the short and long term, while also helping the team maintain the cap flexibility needed to re-sign key players who will need new contracts in upcoming years, like David Pastrnak.

ESPN hockey expert thinks Bruins should trade first-round picks like NFL's Rams

Young defensemen with Chychrun's skill set are rarely available, and the Coyotes would be doing themselves a huge disservice if they accepted anything less than a massive return for him. They also don't have to rush any trade because he's under contract for several more years.

Acquiring Chychrun would be an all-in type of move for the Bruins and require them to part with significant trade assets. It's worth the gamble, though, primarily because Chychrun is in the early stages of his prime and the Bruins should do everything possible to maximize whatever is left of Patrice Bergeron's career.

Contact Us