The Arizona Coyotes' Most Valuable Trade Pieces

The Arizona Coyotes are in full rebuild mode, and between their team's struggles on the ice and their owner's financial struggles, the team is already in a "better luck next year" position just a quarter of the way into the season. This was to be expected though, the Yotes went into the summer by offloading players and bringing in contracts that other teams wanted rid of in exchange for some draft picks being sent along with them. The Coyotes will very likely be looking for more draft picks come the trade deadline. Here are their most valuable assets that could be used for that endeavor.

Shayne Gostisbehere

One of those deals made in the summer has paid off in a major way for Arizona. Acquired from Philadelphia in July along with a 2022 2nd- and 7th-round pick, with nothing going back the other way besides cap relief, Gostisbehere currently has 4 goals and 17 points in 28 games with the Coyotes. He's three points shy of his total from 41 games last season and has been one of the few bright spots during a tough season in Arizona. Gostisbehere is essentially found money. Given the Yotes gave up nothing to get him but actually added draft picks in doing so, they now have the opportunity to send him to a new club in exchange for even more draft picks. In total, acquiring Gostisbehere could result in the Coyotes adding four (or more) picks to their cupboard. That's a good deal no matter how you slice it.

Phil Kessel

No surprise here. Phil the Thrill has had a pair of relatively-productive seasons in Arizona, 38 points in 70 games followed by 43 points in 56 games, but the team is right down at the bottom of the league, and Kessell, along with his $6.8 million contract, is a UFA next July. If the Coyotes are going to try and hasten this rebuild, then exchanging Kessel for picks and prospects only furthers that goal. Phil is still an offensively gifted player, and while his best years are behind him, there are a few teams out there who will gladly make room for a guy with two Cup rings and a penchant for scoring goals in bunches.

Jakob Chychrun 

While less of an obvious trade piece than the other two, the Coyotes are apparently listening to offers on their young star blueliner. Chychrun makes $4.6 million for three more seasons after this one, very good value for a guy who could easily be a #1 option on a lot of NHL teams. He's only 23-years old, meaning he's likely to get even better, and his 18 goals and 41 points in 56 games last season was an eye-catching total. He's having a down year, but so is his whole team. On a contender, Chychrun could be a game-changing addition.

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