The Detroit Red Wings are always looking to improve their team at the trade deadline under general manager Steve Yzerman. Given the contention Detroit finds itself in as we steamroll toward the deadline, it’s safe to say he will add another big name to his lineup, and head coach Derek Lalonde would be fine with that.
Looking at the Red Wings, it’s clear they need help in the defensive zone, so logistically, a blueliner of Chychrun’s caliber is likely what Yzerman is looking for. No, he won’t come at a cheap cost, and yes, there is also the fact Chychrun is currently playing for the rival Ottawa Senators.
But that didn’t stop Ottawa from trading Alex DeBrincat to Detroit over the summer, and since the Senators are once again struggling, it shouldn’t surprise any of us if Yzerman picked up the phone and inquired about Chychrun. But why would the trade itself make so much sense either near or at the 2024 deadline?
Jakob Chychrun would be more than a rental piece in Detroit
While Yzerman must work out some logistics in terms of assets and cap space to land Chychrun, doing so would be well worth it. The Red Wings have a good prospects pool, plus enough high draft picks to entice Ottawa, and they can even send over a couple of current players in the lineup to create more cap space.
Since Chychrun’s contract doesn’t expire until after the 2024-25 season, Detroit can keep him around as more than a rental if they create enough cap space, allowing him to become a pivotal piece for multiple playoff runs. And knowing Yzerman, making a trade like this work shouldn’t be an issue.
Keeping Chychrun around for another season would also give the Red Wings an extended look at the defenseman to see if he’s a great fit long-term.