NHL Rumors: Ben Chiarot trade on the horizon, and Jakob Chychrun could still be moved
Anthony Scultore
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Today’s NHL Rumors focuses on Montreal Canadiens defenseman Ben Chiarot, who was scratched for Tuesday’s game against the visiting Arizona Coyotes due to a “management decision.”
The decision comes with the NHL trade deadline just five days away and the Habs not wanting to jeopardize a key asset for their rebuild.
The pending unrestricted free agent has recorded 18 points (seven goals, 11 assists) in 54 games this season.
NHL Rumors: Ben Chiarot trade on the horizon
“It sounds like (the Josh Manson trade) really intensified some of those conversations that were already happening between the Montreal Canadiens and a pretty long list of suitors,” Pierre LeBrun said on TSN Insider Trading Tuesday. “Among the teams that we believe still have interest includes Calgary, Carolina, Florida, St. Louis and others. The Flames have a prospect by the name of Jakob Pelletier that is of great interest to the Canadiens. I just don’t know if the Flames …don’t think they want to move him.”
According to LeBrun, the Hurricanes don’t have a first round pick which is the starting point for landing Chiarot. He wonders if they could use prospects instead. Also the St. Louis Blues would rather not use their first round selection. Darren Dreger added that the Minnesota Wild are also interested but not for the current asking price.
Another hockey insider, Elliotte Friedman mentioned movement on Chiarot during Saturday’s HNIC broadcast. He only mentioned one team as the final destination– the St. Louis Blues.
It will be very interesting to see where Chiarot lands but more importantly how soon will the deal be made. Many believe it could happen in the next few days.
NHL Rumors: Jakob Chychrun
The news on Jakob Chychrun and the prospects for a trade at the NHL Trade Deadline didn’t seem too good after hearing he will miss the next 2-4 weeks with a lower-body injury.
Chychrun was injured during the second period of Saturday’s 3-2 road loss to the Boston Bruins, following a collision along the boards. He came back on the ice for his shift but later left the game and did not return.
The believed ask by the Coyotes started with a first round pick, a young player, and a prospect. This season in 47 games, he’s recorded 7 goals and 21 points. Chychrun also has a great contract with 3 years left and a $4.6 million AAV, which is a steal for a top 4 defenseman.
Dreger reported on Tuesday that since the injury is not considered serious there’s still a possibility he could be traded. He named the Bruins and Kings as two teams highly interested.
Other teams that were reportedly circling around Chychrun included the Panthers, Blues, Hurricanes, and Ducks. I also believe the Islanders are interested in acquiring the 23 year-old blue-liner to start reshaping their defense.
Hockey fans check out our latest NHL Trade Bait Tracker right here.
