The Arizona Coyotes currently sit at the bottom of the standings as this rebuild led by General Manager Bill Armstrong continues. With that, there could be several players on the team that could be on their way out. Some names that come to mind include forward Nick Bjugstad, defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere, and defenseman Jakob Chychrun. Although many more names are also floating around and being rumoured to be traded, we’ll look at these three Arizona Coyotes trades involving these three players. The Coyotes have already shown they are ready to make a move by trading Dysin Mayo less than a week ago to the Vegas Golden Knights.
Now let’s dive in; what could the Coyotes get for these players? And will it benefit the Coyotes to trade them?
Three Possible Arizona Coyotes Trades
Jakob Chychrun
Here is the first of the Arizona Coyotes trades. Jakob Chychrun has been the center of attention for what seems like forever. Chychrun is just 24 years of age and has an annual average salary of $4.6. Currently, he has played just 36 games this year but has seven goals and 21 assists. Despite being rumoured to be linked to several different teams but nothing has materials yet. On February 10th, the team decided to hold Chychrun out as they felt they had a deal on the horizon. That was not the case, as he is still on the Coyotes’ roster.
Eventually, a Chychrun trade will happen, whether at the deadline or during this next draft. Some teams that have shown interest are the Kings, Blues, and Capitals. With both the Capitals and Blues recently acquiring first-round picks, that could be more than enough to suit the Coyotes. The Kings have been in on Chychrun for what seems like the very beginning, they only have one first-round pick this year, but the prospect pool speaks for itself.
Shayne Gostisbehere
On July 22nd, 2021, the Coyotes took on the contract of Shayne Gostisbehere. They also managed to get a 2022 second-round pick along with a seventh-round pick for future consideration. Despite having a 65-point season in Philadelphia at one point, the Flyers wanted to move his contract. Since being traded to the desert, Gostisbehere has completely turned his career around. Last year he 14 goals and 37 assists for 51 points. This year he is on pace for 43 points despite being injured for a chunk of time. Gostisbehere is playing with confidence, and this is what he said about it, “I’m not going to lie, I was a guy without a lot of confidence,” Gostisbehere said. “I’m thankful they gave me an opportunity and traded me to a place where I could get my game right.”
With this being Gostisbeheres’ final year on his contract, we could see a trade involving him soon. Some teams that could want a veteran defenseman include the Sabres, Capitals, and Oilers. The Oilers have been linked to Chychrun, but if the asking price is too high, they have other options that include Gostisbehere.
Nick Bjugstad
The final of the possible Arizona Coyotes trades is an interesting one. Similar to Gostisbehere, Bjugstad signed a one-year deal during the offseason with the Coyotes. Since coming over, Bjugstad has 13 goals and ten assists as he is on pace for 32 points. That would be his best season since the 2017-18 season with the Florida Panthers. So far this season, Bjugstad has contributed on many ends. On the ice, that includes the penalty kill and being a gritty center that can win you faceoffs. Off the ice, any team would want his presence in the locker room.
That brings the question. Do the Coyotes help the rebuild by acquiring assets for Bjugstad? Or the flip side is to keep him and then work to an extension. The NHL trade deadline is approaching very quickly as; we’ll have to wait and see if a trade materiales before then or on March 3rd.
Main Photo: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
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