Chychrun to the Maple Leafs?

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Chychrun still wants out of Arizona. The Maple Leafs blueline has not been performing well. So, it only makes sense for Bill Armstrong and Kyle Dubas to be talking on the phone and discussing a trade. It would not be surprising if Armstrong and Dubas are talking on the phone right now because the Maple Leafs love doing business with the Yotes and acquiring Coyotes whether that be via a trade (remember Ilya Lybushkin who was part of the Nick Ritchie package), waivers (Carter Hutton like last year) or free agency (most recently Michael Bunting).

Luckily for Armstrong and Dubas, I have made a mock trade for them. My goal was to make this trade as realistic as possible, so no team is getting fleeced and unfortunately for Yotes fans, Arizona natives, Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies are not included in this trade. Presuming Chychrun accepts the trade to Toronto…

Arizona Coyotes receive Rasmus Sandin, Pierre Engvall, Wayne Simmonds,  prospect Fraser Minten, a 2023 3rd-round draft pick, and a 2024 2nd-round draft pick. Toronto Maple Leafs receive Jakob Chychrun (50% retained), Barret Hayton, and a 2023 4th-round draft pick.

Aside from the draft picks and Jakob Chychrun, let’s break down the players in this trade…

Rasmus Sandin

Rasmus Sandin is a young defenseman who is still developing and has the potential to be a future 1D. His start to the 2022/23 season has not been well. Sandin’s unideal start might be attributed to his RFA contract negotiations this summer as he failed to obtain a contract to his desire and had to settle for a 2-year X 1.4 million AAV contract. Sandin has averaged less ice time this season than Morgan Reilley, TJ Brodie, Timothy Lilijigren, and even Justin Holl. Perhaps a new start in a new place where he can also take on a bigger role be beneficial for him.

Pierre Engvall

After securing career-highs in goals (15), assists (20), and points (35), Engvall earned himself a 1-year X 2.5 million AAV contract. Engvall is a bottom 6 forward who brings great energy, excellent puck possession, and penalty-kill capabilities. He is also a big player too, standing at 6’5″ and weighing in at 214 lbs. This season, Engvall has been shifted around a lot and his role has changed frequently.  So the Leafs might be willing to give him up for the talented Chychrun and Engvall will be a great addition to the Yote’s bottom 6.

Wayne Simmonds

This might be the most confusing player and asset included in this trade especially because Simmonds is not the power forward that he used to be. As mentioned in previous posts, during this time of rebuilding, the Coyotes need character players to build a positive team culture so that the team can be equipped for future success. Simmonds can definitely do that! He is a beloved teammate with fantastic leadership, qualities, and character. As the former King Clancy Memorial and Mark Messier Leadership Award recipient, his willingness to speak up, longevity in the NHL, perseverance, and challenges with being a black hockey player will truly inspire his teammates and create a culture within the Coyotes’ locker room that will enable the team to succeed. The one challenge to including Wayne Simmonds in this trade is that he has a modified no-trade clause.

Fraser Minten

Minten was drafted by the Leafs in the second round, 38^th overall in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. Minten is a center who is described to have excellent defensive capabilities, plays amazingly under pressure, ability to work along the boards and win puck battles, and is not afraid to be physical. He currently has 4G- 9A- 13P in 8 GP for the Kamloops Blazers and is projected to score 100 points this season. Minten has the skills and potential to be a 2^nd round draft pick with 1^st round talent and contributions. If the Maple Leafs want a talented player like Chychrun without giving up Nick Robertson or Matthew Knies, Fraser Minten is the perfect alternative.

Barret Hayton

For the Coyotes to have reasonable contract flexibility, Hayton shall be a throw-in and accompany Chychrun to Toronto. Hayton has had an uneventful season, thus far. He has only recorded 3 assists, two of which were secondary assists, and an abysmal +/- of -10. He’s had 8 takeaways but 10 giveaways. A positive note for Hayton is that he has the best Corsi for percentage (%) among all players who have played in all regular season games so hopefully Toronto sees the perks of having him.

Please note that this mock trade was created without the help of a capologist. Thus, additional transactions might be needed after this trade is completed and salary retention might be altered which may impact the draft picks that are included in this proposed trade.