NHL Rumors Roundup: Chychrun asking price, Evander Kane situation, Klingberg trade request, and more
Anthony Scultore
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Arizona Coyotes defenseman Jakob Chychrun is one of the hottest names on the NHL’s trade market.
Chychrun, 23, has just 7 points in 26 games but the Yotes’ this season and is dealing with an injury. Last year was a breakout with 41 points in 56 games. The left-handed rearguard has three years left on a cap friendly deal of $4.6 million.
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NHL Rumors: Chychrun asking price
According to Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos back in December, the potential asking price for Chychrun was similar to that of Jack Eichel’s, which was four pieces. That was reinforced by TSN’s Darren Dreger.
“Teams are actively calling Bill Armstrong, the general manager of the Coyotes, and offers are being made,” Dreger said on TSN Insider Trading. “The asking price, according to GMs with interest, is a very significant one.”
Last night on Sportsnet’s 32 Thoughts segment, Jeff Marek provided additional details which includes the fact that at least 10 teams have made offers.
“A couple of offers have given the Coyotes cause for pause,” Marek said. “Here’s what they are looking for in exchange. It’s not unlike the old Brent Burns deal, which was Devin Setoguchi, Charlie Coyle, and a first round pick. So what the Coyotes are looking for is a young player, a high-end prospect, plus a first round pick.”
Marek also added the Los Angeles Kings, St. Louis Blues, and Anaheim Ducks have the prospects and desire to make that deal.
If the Yotes opt to move him either at the deadline or the draft, they are sure to get that price. Chychrun is a top pair defenseman in the NHL.
Here’s another team to keep an eye on– The New York Rangers. Chris Drury has a contender on his hands but cap constraints will make it difficult to keep key free agents and RFAs. They are overloaded with young players and prospects and would love someone like Chychrun to pair with Jacob Trouba at just $4.6 million.
Evander Kane situation
The San Jose Sharks placed forward Evander Kane on unconditional waivers Saturday for the purpose of terminating his contract.
Other NHL teams can claim Kane in the next 24 hours. Should he go unclaimed, the Sharks will terminate the rest of his deal. It is unlikely anyone will claim Kane as he’s passed through waivers once already.
Kane, 30, served a 21-game suspension for submitting a fake vaccination card and was assigned to the San Jose Barracuda of the American Hockey League. He led the Sharks in goals (22) and assists (27) while appearing in all 56 games last season.
Prior to this, the San Jose Sharks were actively trying to trade Kane and willing to retain 50% of his salary in order to do so. Per Rick Dhaliwal, Kane’s agent has also been reaching out to teams to help facilitate a trade. He currently has three years remaining with an AAV of $7 million.
At that time several teams were rumored landing spots including the Carolina Hurricanes, New York Islanders, and Tampa Bay Lightning. They could be also be possible low cost signing destinations for this season once Kane becomes a free agent.
“I do believe there are teams that if Kane becomes a free agent will want to sign him,” Elliotte Friedman confirmed.
Kane has filed a grievance with the NHLPA.
Clarifying John Klingberg’s trade request
Yesterday, Dave Pagnotta of The Fourth Period said that Dallas Stars defenseman John Klingberg requested a trade due to a contract impasse.
Klingberg, 29, has 17 points in 26 games this season. According to multiple reports, the two sides had been talking but are too far apart on a deal to prevent him from becoming a UFA this summer. He’s looking for an 8 year deal in the neighborhood of $63 million.
“I don’t think it’s entirely true,” Klingberg said via The Dallas Morning News. “It’s not like I’ve been going out there and asking ‘I want to get traded now,’ or something like that. It’s something that’s been going on with the negotiations and stuff like that.”
As far as trade destination go, Jeff Marek mentioned back in November that the Carolina Hurricanes are interested. Larry Brooks in the NY Post speculated that New York Rangers will be in on the pending UFA rental as well.
“I’m not going to lie, it’s been a few frustrating years individually,” Klingberg continued. “As a player, it all ends up coming to your next contract, obviously. I’ve been a Dallas Star since Day One. I’ve been pretty clear that I want to stay here. I grew up here. I had my daughter here and all that. At the end of the day, it’s a business. I understand it’s a business on both sides.”
Tomas Hertl heating up in the trade market
Hertl is 28 years-old and in the final year of a deal that has a $5.625M cap hit. Last season, he recorded 43 points in 50 games. This season, he’s keeping a similar scoring pace with 31 points in 36 contests.
“I’m not thinking about what will happen next season, will the Sharks extend me or if they don’t want me there,” Hertl said this summer about his expiring contract. “I’m just going to play my best hockey and help my teammates.”
Per multiple reports, the Sharks told inquiring teams in the offseason that they were still hopeful to work things out. What remains to be seen is if the Sharks will be a contender come the Deadline. If so, the belief is both sides will want to continue the relationship.
The reality is that the Sharks are starting to slip while many other teams rise. That is elevating Hertl to the top of several trade bait lists, including Frank Seravalli of the The Daily Faceoff where he’s ranked #1.
“Hertl has emerged as the likely most in-demand player as we hurdle toward the deadline.. and would provide a significant return for the Sharks’ future,” Seravalli writes. “One team to keep an eye on in the Hertl sweepstakes: the New York Rangers.”