NHL Rumors: 2 Arizona Coyotes Trade Candidates

The Arizona Coyotes will be one of the more active teams at the trade deadline as the team continues to try and recoup some of the draft pick and prospect capital they lost when the NHL came down hard on them for their scouting scandal. Their roster is a mix of young players and proven vets who are drawing some interest from other teams. Let's take a look at two Coyotes who will be on the move and soon:

Jakob Chychrun, LHD

The Coyotes have received a ton of trade calls this season and most of the time talks start with Jakob Chychrun. The soon-to-be 24-year-old defenseman is the big fish on the trade market this season as it's not everyday you get a chance to acquire a young cornerstone defenseman in-season. The Coyotes are trying to turn Chychrun into multiple draft picks and top prospects as they want to save money and build assets. The mobile defenseman has 21 points in 47 games this season and is signed through the 2024-25 season at $4.6 million annually. His no-trade protection doesn't kick in until the 2023-24 season. 

INJURY UPDATE: Coyotes defenseman Jakob Chychrun will not return tonight due to a lower body injury.

— Arizona Coyotes PR (@AZCoyotesPR) March 13, 2022

Dreger on Insider Trading says 8 teams are seriously in the chase for Jakob Chychrun. Florida, LA, Boston, St. Louis, Carolina, Anaheim are among the primary suitors. Dreger adds this could come down right to the wire on March 21.

— NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) March 8, 2022

At this point the Florida Panthers and St Louis Blues appear to be front runners with the Boston Bruins having a ton of interest as well. Not a lot of teams have cap space to add $4.6 million but when you have player like Chychrun available, executives need to get creative.  

Karel Vejmelka, Goaltender

One of the bright spots in the desert this season, Karel Vejmelka has been playing lights out of late and is starting to create some buzz around the league. The 25-year-old southpaw netminder has appeared in 34 games this season and holds a .905 save percentage. He's a pending restricted free agent and will be looking for a big raise from his $842,500 salary. 

Chris Johnston on Insider Trading says the #Yotes may be forced to make a decision on Karel Vejmelka, they like him and would like to extend him but if a deal is not reached by TDL they may be forced to trade him, he's one year away from UFA, has arb rights as well.

— NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) March 10, 2022

Unpopular opinion: If the #Leafs want to add a goalie they should consider adding Karel Vejmelka to their collection of Yotes. Despite playing for ARI, he’s posted elite numbers vs playoff contenders. COL .977, TOR .978, CGY .920, CAR .949, WSH .968 - some examples #leafsforever

— Steph the Fanalyst 🏒🍁 (@FanalystSteph) March 11, 2022

If you’re the Oilers, is Karel Vejmelka someone to target before the trade deadline?? I don’t think him and Skinner would be a bad 1-2 punch for the next 4-5 years between the pipes and Arizona is willing to take on bad contracts…

— World Hockey Report (@worldhockeyrpt) March 9, 2022

There's certainly been a ton of interest in both of these Coyotes and the talks will continue before the March 21 deadline. Chychrun seems like a lock to be moved while Vejmelka is starting to gain steam as interest populates throughout the league. Keep an eye on Arizona, they're getting ready to play their home games at a college campus and continue to try and move their current roster players for future considerations. 

Photo credit:  Bob Frid-USA TODAY Sports