Coyotes' Tourigny: Chychrun will be scratched 'until something happens'

Time continues to wind down on Jakob Chychrun's days in the desert.

Arizona Coyotes head coach Andre Tourigny said the defenseman and top trade chip "will remain out of the lineup until something happens," according to Sportsnet's Adam Vingan.

Chychrun was a healthy scratch for Saturday's 6-5 overtime loss to the St. Louis Blues due to trade-related reasons.

The Coyotes will play eight more games before the March 3 trade deadline, beginning Monday against the Nashville Predators.

The 24-year-old's name has been in the rumor mill for over a year. In September, Chychrun said Arizona approached him about a possible trade to a contender prior to last season. He ultimately decided to take the team up on its offer, noting that a move "could be mutually beneficial."

A deal never came to fruition. Chychrun played his final game of the 2021-22 season on March 12 - just over one week before the trade deadline - because of an ankle injury.

He underwent wrist surgery in the offseason and didn't make his 2022-23 season debut until Nov. 21.

Chychrun has seven goals and 28 points in 36 games this campaign while leading the rebuilding Coyotes in average ice time (23:16).

He wouldn't be a rental for interested parties, either: Chychrun has two years remaining on his current deal with a cap hit of $4.6 million.

Despite previously being linked to Chychrun, the Edmonton Oilers and Toronto Maple Leafs won't pursue the 6-foot-2 rearguard, Sportsnet's Jeff Marek reported Saturday.

The Ottawa Senators, Los Angeles Kings, St. Louis Blues, and Columbus Blue Jackets have all previously been reported to have interest in Chychrun.

The Kings are building buzz as a potential destination for Chychrun. Sources told ESPN's Greg Wyshynski that Los Angeles and the Coyotes have engaged in trade talks over the past few days.

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