According to an insider, the Oilers nearly made a trade for Chychrun.
The Edmonton Oilers’ Near Trade for Jakob Chychrun: An Insider’s Perspective
The Edmonton Oilers have been on a hunt for a key piece that could help elevate their defense and balance out their roster. With superstars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl leading the charge offensively, it’s been clear that Edmonton’s biggest hurdle lies in their defensive play. Despite significant strides in certain areas, the Oilers have long been searching for a top-tier defenseman who can help solidify their back end and complement their high-powered offense.
In the midst of this pursuit, an insider revealed that the Oilers were close to making a trade for defenseman Jakob Chychrun, one of the most sought-after blueliners in the NHL. The Arizona Coyotes’ young defenseman was widely regarded as a potential game-changer, and his name appeared on the trade market for a significant period. With Chychrun’s skill set and potential fit with the Oilers, the possibility of such a trade sent ripples through the league. This article delves into the details of the near-deal, what it could have meant for the Oilers, and why it ultimately didn’t come to fruition.
Jakob Chychrun: A Perfect Fit for the Oilers
Jakob Chychrun, a 25-year-old defenseman, has long been considered one of the best young blueliners in the NHL. With excellent mobility, a strong two-way game, and the ability to contribute offensively, Chychrun is the type of player that many teams, including the Oilers, coveted for their defensive units. Over the years, Chychrun has demonstrated his ability to play in all situations, making him a valuable asset for any team looking to improve their defensive depth.
For the Oilers, adding a player like Chychrun would have addressed several critical needs. First and foremost, it would have provided them with a top-pairing defenseman capable of logging heavy minutes and playing in high-pressure situations. While the Oilers already boast a solid blueline, their defense has been inconsistent, and the addition of a player like Chychrun would have given them the ability to matchup better against high-powered offensive teams in the playoffs. His ability to contribute offensively—particularly on the power play—would also have made him a valuable asset for a team that already excels in that department.
Moreover, Chychrun’s contract, which carries a manageable cap hit for a player of his caliber, made him an attractive target. With the Oilers already locked into several high-priced contracts, particularly McDavid and Draisaitl, they needed to find players who could help the team without significantly impacting their cap situation. Chychrun’s deal fit within these constraints, making him even more appealing.
The Trade Negotiations: What Went Down Behind Closed Doors
According to the insider, the Oilers and the Coyotes were deep in discussions about a trade that would bring Chychrun to Edmonton. For weeks, there had been rumors swirling about potential trade talks, with the Oilers being linked to Chychrun as a prime target. The Coyotes were reportedly willing to part with their star defenseman in exchange for a package of prospects and draft picks, as they were in the midst of a rebuilding phase and looking to stockpile assets for the future.
The Oilers, who were determined to improve their defense, were intrigued by the possibility of acquiring Chychrun. However, the negotiations were far from straightforward. The trade discussions reportedly hit several roadblocks, with the Coyotes holding out for a significant return in exchange for their young star. Edmonton, for its part, was hesitant to part with too much of their future in a deal that, while addressing an immediate need, could jeopardize their long-term plans.
One of the major sticking points in the negotiations was the price. The Coyotes were asking for a significant return in terms of draft picks and prospects, which made it difficult for the Oilers to finalize the deal. Given that the Oilers were already locked into long-term contracts with several players, they were cautious about giving up too many valuable assets, especially when they still had work to do to improve their team in other areas.
While the Oilers were clearly interested in Chychrun and had the pieces to make a deal happen, the final hurdles in negotiations proved to be too difficult to overcome. The two sides reportedly could not come to an agreement on the final trade package, leading to the deal falling apart.
The Impact of the Deal: What Would Chychrun Have Brought to the Oilers?
Had the trade for Chychrun gone through, it’s easy to imagine the positive impact he could have had on the Oilers. Defensively, he would have provided an immediate upgrade, allowing the Oilers to better balance their roster. Chychrun’s ability to play in all situations—at even strength, on the power play, and on the penalty kill—would have given the Oilers more flexibility when managing matchups, particularly in high-stakes playoff games.
In addition, Chychrun’s mobility and puck-moving ability would have helped the Oilers transition the puck out of their zone more effectively. For a team that often relies on their speed and skill to generate offense, Chychrun’s ability to move the puck quickly would have complemented the team’s up-tempo style and helped create more opportunities for their forwards.
One of the Oilers’ key weaknesses has been their defensive consistency, particularly in their own zone. While they have had some solid performers like Darnell Nurse and Cody Ceci, they’ve often been vulnerable to breakdowns and high-scoring chances against. Chychrun’s two-way game would have helped solidify the Oilers’ blue line, giving them a reliable defenseman to pair with Nurse and provide a stronger defensive presence overall.
Moreover, the addition of Chychrun would have allowed the Oilers to better match up against other Stanley Cup contenders in the Western Conference, such as the Colorado Avalanche and the Vegas Golden Knights. These teams have strong defensive cores, and the Oilers would have needed to bolster their own blueline to compete at the highest level.
Why the Trade Didn’t Happen: Key Factors in the Deal Falling Apart
While the potential benefits of acquiring Chychrun were clear, the deal ultimately fell through for several reasons. One major factor in the collapse of the trade was the high price the Coyotes were asking for in return. Arizona had been adamant about receiving a significant package of assets, which likely included a combination of first-round draft picks, prospects, and potentially roster players. The Oilers, while eager to improve their defense, were unwilling to sacrifice too many key assets for a player like Chychrun, especially given the long-term nature of the trade and the potential to affect their salary cap situation.
Another important factor was the Oilers’ own internal strategy. While acquiring a top-pairing defenseman like Chychrun would have helped their chances in the short term, the team needed to weigh the long-term implications of giving up too many valuable assets. With McDavid and Draisaitl locked into long-term contracts, the Oilers needed to be mindful of their cap space and ensure that they had the financial flexibility to surround their superstars with complementary talent for years to come.
Lastly, the timing of the trade discussions was also a significant consideration. With the trade deadline approaching, both teams were under pressure to make a deal, but neither side was willing to make compromises that would have led to a fair trade for both parties. The Coyotes, in particular, may have seen an opportunity to continue their rebuilding process by extracting as much value as possible for Chychrun, while the Oilers were not willing to overpay for a player who might only be able to help them in the immediate future.
What’s Next for the Oilers?
While the near-trade for Chychrun didn’t come to fruition, it doesn’t mean that the Oilers are done making moves. The team will likely continue to explore potential trades to bolster their defense, especially as the playoffs approach. General Manager Ken Holland has shown a willingness to make bold moves in the past, and it’s possible that the Oilers will continue to seek out a top-tier blueliner to help them compete for a Stanley Cup.
For now, the Oilers will need to continue to develop their existing defensive players and find ways to mitigate their weaknesses. The addition of a player like Chychrun could have been a game-changer, but the Oilers will have to find other ways to solidify their blue line as they push toward the playoffs.
