The Toronto Maple Leafs are now in the midst of rumors regarding trades in the National Hockey League (NHL), with a particular emphasis on strengthening their defense lineup in the wake of John Klingberg’s terrible injury that ended his season.
There were eleven possible trade options that were mentioned in a recent piece that was written by Jonas Siegel of The Athletic. It became clear that Jakob Chychrun, a member of the Ottawa Senators, was one of the most capable candidates among them.
With five goals, 12 points, and a strong +2 plus/minus rating, Chychrun has demonstrated his defensive skill while playing for the Ottawa Senators. When the 25-year-old defenseman was being shopped by the Arizona Coyotes during last February’s trade negotiations, the Toronto Maple Leafs took notice.
The excellent blueliner got a $27.6 million contract, but the Leafs lost out on obtaining him in the end after going to fight over bids.
According to Siegel’s piece, the Toronto Maple Leafs may explore acquiring Chychrun, who is seen as an important component of the Senators’ future. But considering Chychrun’s talent and the Senators’ dedication to long-term planning, luring him out of Ottawa would require a big trade offer.
What would Toronto Maple Leafs pay for Jakob Chychrun?
Even while a trade might happen, Siegel notes that it’s unlikely the Senators will decide to do it at this time because they are not under any imminent pressure.
The Toronto Maple Leafs could be reluctant to make such an offer, so it would take a very strong one for the Senators to consider cutting ties with Chychrun. Notably, to acquire Chychrun from the Arizona Coyotes, the Senators had to surrender a first-round pick and two second-round picks, demonstrating the recognized importance of the player.
The possibility of such a trade happening at this time is still unknown due to the difficulties involved, including the organizational outlook of the Senators and the necessary trade package.