Jakob Chychrun no longer Arizona Coyote's most valuable trade chips
The Coyotes are in yet another year of rebuilding, and again are looking to sell older, free agent players for future assets at the deadline. Last year, the Yotes surprised the league making Jakob Chychrun available to trade, marking the first time they've shown willingness to part with a young, cost-controlled asset.
Chychrun has been the highest profile target for trade on the Coyotes roster since then, but the exorbitant price to acquire him and an early season injury has still prevented a deal. In that time, a surprising player may have now passed him as a trade chip: goaltender Karel Vejmelka.
Elliotte Friedman speculates in his 32 Thoughts blog this week:
In addition to his impressive GSAx, Vejmelka owns a 3.07 GAA and .913 S%. The advanced stats tell a more accurate and flattering story, but even seeing a S% more than ten points above league average on the basement Coyotes team is impressive.
Friedman goes on to speculate that the Los Angeles Kings could be a potential suitor, for both Vejmelka and Chychrun in the same deal. As of now however, Vejmelka stands as a premium cost-controlled goalie option for a contending team near the deadline, or even a team acquiring a goalie for the future.
Rumors have also circulated that the Buffalo Sabres and a couple other teams have shown significant interest in Vejmelka. A cost controlled goaltender who has shown incredible abilities could fetch a massive haul on the trade market. There is also likely an element of teams growing tired of the Chychrun process and moving on to other assets.
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