Broberg for Chychrun in Trade: A Nonstarter For Oilers?

Obviously, the trade would be more than just Philp Broberg for Jakob Chychrun, but if a deal were to go down between the Arizona Coyotes and Edmonton Oilers, you can bet these would be the two centerpieces of any potential transaction. Broberg is a prospect the Oilers have been patient with for multiple seasons. He pegs to be a top-four defenseman over the course of what many believe will be a long NHL career. Meanwhile, Chychrun is a top-four defenseman right now and the Oilers see themselves as Stanley Cup contenders. A healthy Chychrun would help more today than Broberg potentially would, which lets us understand why the Oilers might be looking at this.

All that said, there are reports out there, including one from Marc Spector of Sportsnet, that Broberg is a nonstarter for the Oilers. Spector wrote in a tweet on Thursday, “My understanding is Edmonton Oilers are NOT in on any Jakob Chychrun talks at this time. Philip Broberg is a nonstarter as a prospect going to Coyotes, as is Dylan Holloway. Jesse Puljujarvi – with a 1st rd pick – not enough for ARI.”

Still, Darren Dreger has reported the Oilers are interested, as have other insiders. Some are even suggesting the Oilers are heavily considering something if the price comes down a touch. No one, however, has been able to confirm if there are serious talks taking place at this time because of the high asking price.

Should the Oilers Consider This?

Jonathan Willis of The Athletic contends that he can see both sides of the coin here. He writes, “Not only would Chychrun make the team better immediately at a somewhat suspect position (LD) but he’s on a reasonable contract for three years and EDM has the young pieces to put a package together.” He also adds that the Oilers certainly shouldn’t be motivated to move Broberg, but that the organization has to look at where they are in the window to be competitive. He notes, “banners fly forever and Chychrun is a very good player who fills the same position and has three seasons to go at a team-friendly cap hit. I don’t think he [Broberg] should be a non-starter.”

The question isn’t just whether the Oilers should move Broberg. If they are open to it, it becomes what else must be included. GM Ken Holland will be asked to move not only the maturing defenseman but a high draft pick and a contract that will allow the Oilers to make room on their roster. Already over the cap, they can’t simply bring in Chychrun’s salary. Something else would have to go. It doesn’t make much sense for the Oilers to send Warren Foegel and Jesse Puljujarvi in the deal too, since this would really hurt their forward depth.

Next: Canadiens Sign Jake Allen, Make Future Trade a Real Possibility