NHL Rumors: Edmonton Oilers Reject Arizona Coyotes Trade Offer

According to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, the Edmonton Oilers are likely out on Arizona Coyotes defenseman Jakob Chychrun. While trade talks could eventually pick back up, Friedman thinks the Coyotes are moving in a different direction with the Oilers on the outside looking in.

When the news dropped that the Coyotes were putting Chychrun on the open market to the highest bidder it came at a surprise. He's a 23-year-old defenseman who has six years under his belt. He jumped into the NHL right out of the draft and hasn't looked back since. While he only has seven points in 26 games this season, Chychrun had 41 points in 56 games last season. On a contending team with loads of talent, who knows how high his ceiling could be.

The mobile two-way defender is signed through the 2024-25 season at $4.6 million annually. It's a steal of a contract and it makes absolutely zero sense why the 'Yotes would even deal him in the first place. He's a cornerstone top-2 defenseman, is young, signed to a great contract and a productive player. 

Word is Coyotes management is looking for four pieces in the trade including two first-round picks and a top-prospect. The Oilers were willing to give up one first-rounder and likely Kailer Yamamoto and a prospect but likely didn't want to give up multiple picks. You can't really blame them.

Keep an eye on the Coyotes after the Christmas pause. Trade talks continue and there's roughly 20 teams involved. It's going to be a blockbuster deal so some general manager will be thinking they started 2022 off with a bang. 

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