Insider: Boston Bruins are front-runners to land top defenceman available

The #NHLBruins are one of eight clubs apparently in the chase for Jakub Chychrun, per @DarrenDreger:

Thoughts? pic.twitter.com/2CaWszdvN4— Blake Thorne (@_BlakeThorne) March 9, 2022

The 23 year old defenceman is a former 16th overall pick, currently leads the Arizona Coyotes in ice time and has scored 19 points in 45 games this season. But this is with a lessened offensive role after the team acquired Shayne Gostisbehere in the offseason. Chychrun last season scored 18 goals, 41 points in 56 games.

The left-handed defence is signed to a super team-friendly contract until 2024-25 season with an annual cap hit of $4,600,000. That's unheard of for a player of his calibre.

Could we see a Chychrun - McAvoy pairing in the near future?

It will be interesting to see the return for the Coyotes, but I believe DeBrusk will be included as he has requested a trade out of Boston. The Bruins also have all their draft picks for the next 2 drafts, so picks can easily be included if it means another run at the cup.