As per The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta there is an “increased level of activity” surrounding defenseman Jakob Chychrun and while there are multiple teams potentially interested, it appears as though the Los Angeles Kings are the current frontrunners if a trade does go down.
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A number of teams have expressed interest in Chychrun as he’s one of the biggest prizes available ahead of the NHL trade deadline. The reason he’s so in demand is that he’s got term left on his contract and at a reasonable dollar figure. That doesn’t become available all that often, especially when it comes to a player that has a lot to offer a team.
It is believed the Coyotes want at least a first-round pick or comparable prospect, and while it’s unclear exactly what the Kings are willing to offer, Pagnotta reports his sources say the Coyotes are looking at a package that includes prospect Gabriel Vilardi.
Vilardi was the 11th overall draft selection in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft and while he’s had some injury issues stunt his development, he started to come on last season with 23 points in 54 games for the Kings. He’s taken another step back this season, only playing in seven NHL games, but he’s getting a ton of ice time with the AHL’s Ontario Reign. He’s been a point-per-game player at that level.
The Kings are surprisingly a playoff-contending team this season. Few pegged them to be in the conversation at the start of the year, but they’ve played well and hold the second Wild Card spot in the Western Conference. Chychrun would drastically improve the Kings’ left side and give them a shot at making the postseason. Even if they don’t, he’d be a reliable asset for a couple more seasons as the Kings hopefully progress into a regular contender.
Many believe if the Kings acquired him, Chychrun would play alongside Drew Doughty.
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