Penguins Eyeing Top Elite Defenseman from a Canadian Team

As we get closer to the trade deadline for the 2023-24 season, the Pittsburgh Penguins could be revisiting a defenseman that they did not pull the trigger on last season.

Penguins Revisit Ottawa Senators' Defenseman as a Possible Option to Fill in a Defensive Gap

With Ron Hextall at the helm last year, he took a hard look at the now Ottawa Senators defenseman Jakob Chychrun. At the time, the 24 year old Chychrun was playing for the Coyotes and on his way out. Hextall was just not willing to give up what Arizona was asking.

The @Senators have acquired Jakob Chychrun from the Arizona Coyotes!#GoSensGo | #NHLTradeDeadline pic.twitter.com/015b92pmeD— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) March 1, 2023

It turns out that Chychrun was dealt to the Senators for a 2023 first round draft pick and second round picks from 2024 and 2026. Looking back, that was a price that the Penguins could have probably afforded.


Now with Kyle Dubas in the GM role, the Penguins could be looking at the blue liner again.

According to Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff, there have been some teams that are showing interest in Chychrun. Ottawa has not come right out and saying no as they are still not sure if he fits into their future plans.

The Senators have stocked up on a number of talented younger players such as Tim Stutzle, Brady Tkachuk, and Thomas Chabot who they hope will carry the team into the future as a Cup contender.

The Penguins Potentially Would Have to Deal One of Their Top 6 Young Defenseman to Score Chychrun

One player that comes to mind is P.O. Joseph. He has not performed the way the Penguins had hoped this season and his position is not set in stone on the top six. His brother Mathieu is on the Senators, and hey, would doesn't love a brother duo teaming together.


A problem could be his salary. Chychrun is currently making $4.6 million against the cap, which could be a issue for the Pens, but not a deal breaker. He is also only signed through the 2024-25 season making him more of a rental then long-term player for teams.

Let's not forget that Dubas also showed interest in Chychrun when in Toronto but pulled out of any potential deals before the deadline. So maybe this year with a different GM, the Penguins will look to deal for Chychrun. This year in 35 games played he has 25 points, (7G, 18A), and could be helpful offensively on a porous blue line.

As Read On: The Hockey News - Penguins Could Reconsider Trade Target From Last Year