Chychrun slams 'ridiculous' trade rumors

Ottawa Senators defenseman Jakob Chychrun was blunt when addressing his name coming up in recent trade rumors.

"I think it's ridiculous, if I'm being honest," Chychrun told The Athletic's Ian Mendes on Tuesday. "I went through it in Arizona and that was a different situation. But to see it now is a bit ridiculous. And I don't think it's based off anything."

Postmedia's Bruce Garrioch reported last Thursday that Senators general manager Steve Staios has listened to teams interested in the 25-year-old blue-liner.

"It's people shooting blind darts at a board and hoping they hit," Chychrun added. "People have a right to say what they want, but to act like they have their sources is a joke. And people like to get their clicks on social media. If they have to use my name to do it, go ahead. But I'm not going to let it affect me."

Chychrun was traded to the Senators last March after being the subject of trade rumors for a prolonged period with the Arizona Coyotes. Ottawa sent a first-round pick and two second-round picks to the Coyotes in the deal.

Despite his feelings about the recent speculation, Chychrun admitted the NHL is "a crazy business and anything can happen."

In 54 total games with the Senators, Chychrun has accumulated nine goals and 32 points. He's signed through the 2024-25 season at a $4.6-million cap hit and is set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2025, but he said he isn't looking for a change of scenery.

"I feel at home here," Chychrun said. "I bought a house and it's five minutes from my sister and 10 minutes from my grandpa. ... I've just been cherishing my time here because not everybody gets that opportunity to play in front of family and loved ones."

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