Jakob Chychrun News

Chychrun underwent knee surgery in August and his season appeared to be in jeopardy. However, Chychrun is an athletic freak and is already close to getting back on the ice and it looks like he will return at some point this season. The second-year defenseman remains without a timetable for his return, but it’s great news that he is already ahead of schedule.

Chychrun missed last Friday’s game with an upper-body injury, but will get back in the Coyotes’ lineup tonight vs. the Stars. The rookie defenseman has one goal and five assists in 26 games sos far this season.

Chychrun played just 11:09 in Wednesday’s game vs. the Oilers and will not play tonight vs. the Maple Leafs. The rookie defenseman is day-to-day with an upper-body injury and should be ready to go after the Christmas break.

Chychrun had one assist and one shot on goal in 12:09 TOI in his NH debut on Saturday, but will come out of the lineup on Tuesday. The rookie defenseman had an impressive preseason and debut, but will be replaced by Kevin Connauton in the lineup tonight.

Chychrun has reportedly had a tremendous training camp with the Coyotes after dropping to the No.16 pick in this summer’s draft. Chychrun has been playing top-pair minutes, averaging 24:19 TOI/GM through his first four preseason games. “Jakob is an elite skater,” Coyotes GM John Chayka. “His lateral mobility has been very good. His gaps have been very good. Physically, he's a man. Unlike a lot of 18 year olds, he isn't physically overmatched [in the NHL]. The next three preseason games will be telling, but there’s a strong chance Chychrun at least starts the year in Arizona instead of Sarnia (OHL).