How Jakob Chychrun Trade Value Has Been Impacted By The Bo Horvat Deal

As the first piece of the 2023 NHL Trade Deadline has officially fallen, it surprisingly was the biggest asset on the market.

But, how much does Bo Horvat’s trade to the New York Islanders (more specifically the size of the return), impact some of the other big name options ahead of March 3rd?

While not from the same position group as Horvat, it’s safe to say that when the calendar turns to the second half of the NHL season, few teams with Stanley Cup aspirations look away from defenseman help.

Especially if they have any offensive aspect to their game, which 24-year-old Jakob Chychrun certainly has.

With 5 goals and 20 assists on his 34-game season, Chychrun is on pace for a career year defensively, as he could finish with the best +/- of his career in over 23 minutes a night, which would also be a career high.

While doing this with a rebuilding Arizona Coyotes team would be all the more impressive, Chycrun could receive an aid to this personal feat if dealt to a contender mid-season.

And according to the Coyotes asking price and a team that needs his talent’s most, the Calgary Flames may be the ideal landing spot for both parties.

While contractually, the Flames are committed to all but Connor Mackey and Michael Stone for next year, their defensemen’s level of play may not be living up to the money committed towards the position room.

Currently, the Flames are committed to paying 8 defensemen $27.3 million in the 2023-24 season, yet this year only 2 of them have totaled over 20 points (Andersson with 33, Hanifin with 21).

That is an aspect that Chychrun can offer, which would go a long way for the team’s overall scoring abilities.

But, since he would not be a true rental, the Coyotes could be expecting a young player in return with years left on the contract, thus making this a player-for-player deal.

Here is a deal that could make sense for both sides:

Flames Receive: D Jakob Chychrun

Flames Give: D Oliver Kylington (CGY retains 100% of his 2023 contract), D Nick DeSimone, F Walker Duehr, 2023 First Round Pick

Coyotes Receive: D Oliver Kylington (CGY retains 100% of his 2023 contract), D Nick DeSimon, F Walker Duehr, 2023 First Round Pick

Coyotes Give: D Jakob Chychrun

While the situation has been especially tricky for Oliver Kylington this season, as he has yet to play a game this season due to a personal issue, Calgary covering the cost of 1 of his 2 remaining seasons for the potential upside of his impact could be a flier worth taking for Arizona.

And even though the visual of trading a player throughout a difficult time off the ice is never good, it could potentially work out better for Kylington, as the idea of rejoining a team in the midst of a Stanley Cup chase against a team looking to build for next year could be more welcoming for his situation.

For reference, in his age 24 season in 2022-22, Kylington produced a 31-point year in 73 games, averaging 18 minutes per game, and had a 34 +/-.

And in the Coyotes’ eyes, the addition of Nick DeSimone defensively, and forward Walker Duehr could give them a 1-in-3 chance on a legitimate franchise piece, alongside the first-round pick.

Chychrun is on the fourth year of a 6-year, $27.6 million deal, in which he is a $4.6 million cap hit for this year and the remaining 2 years.