Insider reports that highly-coveted defenseman's top choice is to play in Toronto with Auston Matthews

We know there's a big move on the horizon in Arizona, involving former 1st round pick Jakob Chychrun, who made his season debut Monday night for the Arizona Coyotes against Nashville, playing just over 23 minutes. Prior to Monday's game Chychrun had played a total of just under 6 minutes of hockey since scoring the overtime winner against the Leafs last March.

Chychrun has wanted out of Arizona for some time and now that he has recovered from the slew of injuries he was dealing with, he may finally get his wish. With 2 more years on his contract, earning $4.6M per season, the asking price begins with two first round picks according to many insiders. Chychrun doesn't have a no-trade clause currently, but one will kick in on July 1, 2023 so the Coyotes can ask whatever they want until then.

According to Sportsnet's Nick Kypreos, Chychrun's number one choice is to play in Toronto because he wants to play with Auston Matthews. Without a no-trade clause, Chychrun's preference doesn't have to be considered by the Coyotes and they will send him wherever they get the best deal.

Unfortunately for the Leafs, the asking price for Chychrun likely went way up now that Morgan Rielly is out 4-6 weeks along with Jake Muzzin and T.J. Brodie already out. The Leafs are already dealing with some cap issues and while they have just under $8M in cap space now, when Rielly comes back in 4-6 weeks that number drops significantly. If the Leafs were to make a deal for Chychrun it be an easier off-season trade, as they would have much more flexibility. Having said that, Chychrun's $4.6M would be a lot easier to accommodate this season than someone like, say, Matt Dumba, who carries a $6M cap hit.

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