The Maple Leafs Need a Jolt: Could It Be Jakob Chychrun?

The Toronto Maple Leafs and Jacob Chychrun rumor mill is back at work for two reasons. Or maybe it’s just one reason with two parts. First, Jake Muzzin was placed on LTIR yesterday. Second, now that Muzzin’s on LTIR, the Maple Leafs now have additional funds needed to expand its roster.

The rumors floating around make sense. The Maple Leafs need another solid defenseman now that it’s pretty clear that Muzzin might not be in the picture. And, Chychrun of the Arizona Coyotes is just that – a solid defenseman.

In addition, there’s no doubt that the Coyotes as an organization would like to move him. The word is that Chychrun has asked for a trade.

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Chychrun Would Immediately Improve the Maple Leafs’ Defense

Now that Muzzin’s no longer in the picture – for at least the immediate future and maybe for longer, trading for a strong defender such as Chychrun makes perfect sense for the Maple Leafs. Several of the issues that seemed persistent for the Maple Leafs before the season began are settling.

Specifically, it seems pretty clear that Ilya Samsonov is working out as the team’s goalie. Second, although there’s a small number of games played, it looks like Nick Robertson is a fit on the team’s second line.

Third, the team needs its first line of Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner to start scoring again like it did last season. But, honestly, given the ability of those two players, it seems that the first-line problem will take care of itself sooner rather than later.

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Why Chychrun Makes Sense for Toronto

The priority that remains is shoring up the team’s blue line. From that perspective, trading for Chychrun makes some sense – especially if the team doesn’t have to break the bank to get him to Toronto. That’s the one obvious need that remains to be addressed.

That said, there are, as I see it, three reasons that might lean the team toward making a deal for Chyrhcun.

Reason One: Chychrun is a top-pairing defensive player. He has a big upside; and, given the right circumstances, he might become part of the team’s corp. He’d be more than just a rental.

Reason Two: Chychrun has an attractive contract. He’s signed for $4.6 million until the end of the 2024-25 season. For a general manager who likes a contract with term, Chychrun is attractive. That kind of contract logically works to solidify the team for the foreseeable future.

Reason Three: If this trade could be worked out, the 24-year-old Chychrun is of an age where he might become a Maple Leafs’ player who’d be around for a long time. He’s solid, but he’s also young.

Maple Leafs Fans Are Ready for a Change

Finally, the Maple Leafs could use a jolt to get the team going. A big trade right now might offer some needed enthusiasm into the upcoming season.

I’m not saying the Maple Leafs will make a deal for Chychrun because the organization might have other priorities. It also might now want to give up what the Coyotes want in return.

All that said, from the Maple Leaf’s point of view, it’s easy to see why Chychrun would be attractive. Now, if there’s a conversation to be had, is there a deal that makes sense?

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