Senators Rumors: Jakob Chychrun Trade Talks Heating Up

About six weeks back, the Ottawa Senators' Jakob Chychrun called trade rumors surrounding him "ridiculous" and that he wasn't going anywhere. Now here we are, just four days until the trade deadline, and let's assume he must really be upset now, as the chatter has really ratcheted up, according to TSN hockey insider Darren Dreger.

I’m sensing with the D market quickly shrinking action around Jakob Chychrun has picked up. Doesn’t mean there’s a deal to be made, but teams are likely thinking at least two playoff runs with him may be worth the asking price. @TSNHockey

— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) March 4, 2024

After the recent trades of Chris Tanev to the Dallas Stars and Ilya Lyubushkin to the Toronto Maple Leafs, the trade market for blueliners is "shrinking", says Dreger, leading to a surge in calls to the Sens to see if the 25-year-old Chychrun might be available.

The former first-rounder has one more year left on his contract at $4.6 million AAV, leaving any team acquiring him with two playoff runs with the big D-man in tow.

Chychrun is logging a massive 22:34 minutes of ice time per game for the Senators, and is still a key part of their blueline, so there's no telling if the Sens would have any interest in dealing him. But contenders desperate for a top-flight defenseman might be upping the ante in trade talks, perhaps making Ottawa an offer they can't refuse. 

In 58 games, Chychrun has nine goals, 22 assists and 31 points, while blocking 107 shots. He was acquired last year at this time from the Arizona Coyotes, and now he finds himself once again on the trade rumor mill. 

The Senators face some big decisions by Friday, as they try to move forward after an extremely trying season. They currently sit 2nd-last in the Eastern Conference, with just 53 points. 

Photo: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports