The Maple Leafs Blue Line could really use Chychrun

Arizona Coyotes defenseman Jakub Chychrun has been a fixture in terms of the trade deadline for the past two seasons. Many teams, including the Toronto Maple Leafs, have expressed interest in acquiring the 24-year-old defenseman. There has been some uncertainty surrounding Chychrun’s health this season, but he’s now showing that whatever ails him doesn’t matter. Its stock is at an all-time high, and its value will be beneficial wherever it lands.

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A top-six forward is definitely high on general manager Kyle Dubas’ wish list. With a name like Chychrun still available, given the last defence, do you have to assume that you should give the team the benefit of the doubt or calm down the defense a bit? While forwards might be the bigger priority, Dubas shouldn’t rule out bringing in Chychrun as it makes sense. He can make a difference in the backend and would make them stronger.

Chychrun’s attack would strengthen Blue Line

Chychrun was plagued by injuries last season as teams hesitated to finalize a deal by last year’s deadline. After ankle surgery to remove a bone spur and wrist surgery, he seems to be getting back to his playful and scoring self as he has been in tears since his return in late November.

For the Maple Leafs, adding Chychrun would strengthen their blueline, especially in their top-4. While he brings a steady defensive presence, it’s more his offensive play that they could benefit from.

Related: Maple Leafs need Boone Jenner, but the price would be steep

Since his return, Chychrun has 27 points in 35 games played. He has already surpassed his total points in 2019-20 and is on track to surpass his 41 points in 2020-21. Even if you look at his five-a-side performance with a Coyotes team that’s bottom of the standings, he still has influence. With at least 500 minutes played, he is first in Corsi in percentage (50.13) and goals percentage (57.14) and third in scoring chances with 49.28. Even when playing against elite competitors, this season he has a GF% of 57.1 and 59.6% overall.

Jakob Chychrun, Arizona Coyotes (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)

Those are still decent results. Imagine if he’s on a deeper and more talented team that’s in a playoff berth, those numbers could be higher.

While the Maple Leafs’ defense decision making was questionable, they also struggled to produce and score goals. Attack of defense has usually been fairly consistent in the past. It’s been minimal this season as Morgan Rielly is first with 23 points, Mark Giordano is second with 19 points and Timothy Liljegren leads the team with four goals.

Rielly was producing prior to his knee injury but has been struggling lately. Given what we’ve seen from Rielly in the past, he’s expected to score at least five goals or lead this category. The fact that he has one, plus the inconsistencies on power play and not shooting when he should, is worrying for the team’s best defender. However, the hope is that he will get back on track.

If Chychrun were with the Maple Leafs, he would lead the team in goals (seven) and points. Bringing him in would get the offense going a little more since he’s known to be present on the rush and get shots into the net. Giordano leads the Maple Leafs defenders with 77 shots while Chychrun has 111 despite missing almost two months.

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Defense have been prone to poor puck management lately, they have been able to capitalize on the steady play and offense that Chychrun brings to the table as he has an attitude to drive the game forward with confidence. That could be a key factor why they might acquire it.

Muzzin’s replacement

With Jake Muzzin’s return still in doubt, we expect an update on his cervical spine injury later this month. While there’s no word yet, the Maple Leafs should plan as if he won’t be returning.

It’s obvious that if the Maple Leafs take over, Chychrun will be his replacement as he has the same qualities in his game that made the Maple Leafs go after Muzzin in 2019. He has the size, strength, intensity and work ethic that Muzzin displayed on a nightly basis before injuries began to affect his game.

Chychrun can hit in time, he can block shots, and can eat minutes with consistent strength. His powerful shot would be an improvement, as would his ability to net pucks. He would be an ideal power play specialist given his ability to net pucks and the power for a golden opportunity, something this team lacks compared to others.

Jakob Chychrun, Arizona Coyotes (Jess Starr/The Hockey Writers)

Having that type of defenseman who shows up at crucial moments, like Muzzin has in the past, could be a big reason the Maple Leafs would pick him. He also brings versatility, being able to play on either the right or left flank, giving head coach Sheldon Keefe plenty of options.

piece to drape over the top

Given that Chychrun has two more years at $4.6 million per season, that’s definitely enticing for the Maple Leafs as they like to chase players with term. Having a stable two-way defender who can get offensive numbers under 5 million is definitely a great addition. There is no doubt that the asking price will be dear to him.

The Maple Leafs have been tracking down the Coyotes lately. This would only work if the Maple Leafs are willing to move a prospect like Matthew Knies, another prospect and a first-round pick as a starting point. Considering how well Knies has played in college over the past two seasons; Would it be prudent to bring a potential top-six player forward for two more seasons to help out in defence? There’s no guarantee Chychrun will re-sign with the Maple Leafs after his contract expires, but it would be better to switch a top prospect for a term rather than a lease.

Related: Coyotes must pounce on Maple Leafs trading interest

Regardless of the price, Chychrun could definitely be the missing piece to solidify the defense and take this team to the top. He has the power, strength and edge to play in the playoffs. We saw how well Hampus Lindholm helped the Boston Bruins after the trade and signed an extension. Could this very well happen for the Maple Leafs on the road?

Any way you look at it, if there’s a big step to take at the close for the Maple Leafs why not invest in a top name like Chychrun and get a stable and reliable defender who can produce. Yes, there is a need for a top six winger. But you know the saying, defense wins championships. The Maple Leafs can score, get defensive help, and a shooter from the blueline will boost a deep run in the playoffs.

Statistics from Natural Stat Trick, Puck IQ, Hockey Reference and NHL.

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Peter is in his third year at The Hockey Writers, covering the Toronto Maple Leafs and overseeing the draft and prospects department. Previously, he was an intern at The Hockey News and worked on Toronto Marlies programs for Rogers TV. He currently co-hosts the Sticks in the 6ix podcast and is a frequent guest on the Maple Leafs Lounge. Besides hockey he also enjoys drumming, animation and impressions/voices.

Source: thehockeywriters.com