:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/72027935/1466162441.0.jpg "Jakob Chychrun trade: Senators acquire defenseman from Coyotes")
The Arizona Coyotes have traded defenseman Jakob Chychrun to the Ottawa Senators. The Coyotes will acquire a conditional first-round pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, which is top-5 protected. The Coyotes will also get a 2024 conditional second-round pick and a 2026 second-round pick in the deal.
It's an OK trade for the Senators, who are in the thick of the Eastern Conference Wild Card race. Ottawa is five points out of the second Wild Card into the playoffs in the East. Chychrun was a top-pairing defenseman for the Coyotes and is on a very team friendly contract through 2024-25. The Senators have two more seasons of Chychrun at a cap hit of $4.6 million before he hits free agency in 2025.
The Senators very much need to compete in a tough conference with the roster currently constructed. LW Alex DeBrincat also needs a contract extension. C Shane Pinto will also need a new deal. Outside of that, this is the group the Sens feel can compete for the postseason.
Chychrun should either be on the top pair with Thomas Chabot or on the second pairing for the Senators. Chychrun had missed time early in the season but had 28 points (seven goals, 21 assists) in 36 games for Arizona in 2022-23. He was selected with the No. 16 pick by the Coyotes in the 2016 NHL Draft.