It’s no secret that the Arizona Coyotes are in a massive rebuild. That means the roster will change. Will these two Arizona Coyotes trades go down?
Two Arizona Coyotes Players Who Could be Traded
Arizona Coyotes Trades: Phil Kessel
Phil Kessel‘s time in Arizona has been numbered ever since his buddy Rick Tocchet left as head coach. Let’s face it, at 34-years-old Kessel will not be in the plans for a team going full bore into a rebuild. He’s an excellent rental player for a playoff-bound team (as NOT the Coyotes) with a manageable contract. He does have a $6.8 million salary-cap hit. Luckily he is only owed $1 million this season due to his $5 million bonus being paid already.
If a team is looking for scoring, Kessel could fill the void… except this season he is only on pace to score 11 goals. He has seemed to transition to more of a playmaker this season with 22 assists in 38 games. So, where would he fit in the best?
Where Could Kessel Go?
Franklin Steele of thebleacherrerport.com feels a good landing place for Phil “The Thrill” would be the New York Rangers. He notes that the Rangers are struggling a bit offensively and could use Kessel’s scoring prowess. The other factor is that Kessel has always been more effective turning on the red light when he’s on a line with an adept playmaker as he was in Pittsburgh with Sidney Crosby. Artemi Panarin could fit that role nicely and having Kessel would add to the Rangers playoff success rate.
We keep hearing that Kessel will be packing his bags soon, but as we move into February more and more NHL teams will be making moves to cement their playoff plans. The return for Kessel may be a draft pick and perhaps a prospect, so it’s definitely a strong possibility. He’s listed as #6 on theathletic.com Eric Duhatachek‘s NHL trade deadline board.
While Phil may prefer the nice weather and golf courses of say… Florida, he could wind up in the Big Apple instead. Don’t worry Phil, New York has some of the best hot dogs around if that’s any consolation.
Arizona Coyotes Trades: Jakob Chychrun
Almost every Coyotes fan was stunned when rumors first started flying that Jakob Chychrun may be traded. Granted, general manager Bill Armstrong isn’t trying to trade him, but teams are interested. The thing is, the return is expected to be Jack Eichel-like. Some teams just can’t do that, while others may be able to swing it.
According to Steele, the Los Angeles Kings may be the most logical suitor for Chychrun’s services. They have the goods… as in prospects galore. They can easily pull off a deal. Chychrun could excel in LA. He could be almost a Drew Doughty clone for years to come. He’s only 23-years-old and has a very reasonable $4.6 million contract through 2023-24.
Chychrun’s Future
While Chychrun is having an off-year with only two goals, six assists, he’s still a premier defender who can add to your offence. He may not even be traded considering the large return that is expected. Many considered him to be a player that Arizona can rebuild with, but for whatever reason Armstrong is listening to offers.
If the Coyotes do trade him, they will need to get some prospects who can help the team get out of their funk. Gathering the first overall draft pick will surely help with their rebuild. Losing Chychrun may be the price to pay for the future.
Or… does this team/franchise even have a future? That’s an article for another time.
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