NHL Rumors: Blue Jackets and Coyotes Working on Blockbuster Trade

The NHL Draft is around the corner and it sounds like we could have some major deals going down. One in particular came up in multiple reports on Tuesday as the Columbus Blue Jackets and Arizona Coyotes are apparently involved in trade conversations.

This is something to keep an eye on. No doubt CBJ is doing due diligence on Chychrun. https://t.co/AVH90HqiI2
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) July 5, 2022

While the Coyotes say they are looking to add some NHL proven talent, there's no denying the fact they've been shopping defenseman Jakob Chychrun for months. The Blue Jackets are interested and it sounds like the 12th overall pick is in play here. The 'Yotes already hold seven picks in the first two rounds at the draft later this week and landing the 12th pick would be another giant step in their rebuild.

The Columbus Blue Jackets have interest in Jakob Chychrun from the Arizona Coyotes per @BrianHedger. Despite that he had awful start into this last season, Chychrun was pretty solid overall again. He's a legit 1st pairing defenseman for us. pic.twitter.com/pusz9Wvssx
— Andy & Rono (@ARHockeyStats) July 5, 2022

Chychrun is signed through the 2024-25 season at $4.6 million per season and is only 24 years old despite already having six seasons under his belt. The Blue Jackets need some help on their blueline and don't have a ton of organizational depth waiting in the wings. Chychrun makes a ton of sense for them and a mid first-rounder is likely the best offer the 'Yotes will receive this week.

The Blue Jackets are in great shape with almost $20 million in cap space and not a ton of holes in their lineup. High-end talent? Perhaps, so adding a cornerstone defenseman will surely help their chances to get into contention in the eastern conference.

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