NHL Rumors: New Front-Runner In Jakob Chychrun Sweepstakes

According to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, there's "a strong possibility" that the Los Angeles Kings will end up acquiring Jakob Chychrun from the Arizona Coyotes.

Pagnotta: Chychrun trade talks gaining momentum https://t.co/V6vAxKykeb
— The Fourth Period (@TFP) February 20, 2022

Pagnotta also noted that the Coyotes are interested in several of Los Angeles' prospects and specifically noted Gabe Vilardi as one of them. A potential trade between these two teams would need to include more than the 22-year-old center, but when looking at how strong the Kings' prospect pool is, they have the assets to get a deal done.

A trade for Chychrun would officially mean the Kings are out of their rebuilding stage. With the way their season has gone thus far, there's an argument that they should be. At this point of the campaign, they have a 26-17-7 record and hold the second Wild Card spot in the Western Conference. Although there are multiple teams close to them, they have shown that they are far better than they were just last season.

In 39 games this season, Chychrun has two goals, nine assists, and a minus-28 rating. It's been a very down year for the 23-year-old, but one has to remember that he just scored 18 goals and recorded 41 points in 56 games last season. Now seems like the perfect time for a change of scenery for him, so let's see if the Kings successfully acquire him by the deadline.