Armstrong: 'Pieces just weren't there' to deal Chychrun

Arizona Coyotes general manager Bill Armstrong said the right deal never materialized for star defenseman Jakob Chychrun before the trade deadline.

"(The) pieces just weren't there," Armstrong said, according to PHNX Sports' Craig Morgan.

Chychrun was one of the biggest names said to be available leading up to Monday's trade frenzy. Several teams reportedly expressed interest, including the Boston Bruins, Florida Panthers, and Los Angeles Kings.

The 23-year-old is a strong two-way blue-liner under contract for $4.6 million per season until 2025. Arizona reportedly sought a massive return for Chychrun, who is currently injured but has 21 points in 47 games this season.

While the Coyotes didn't move their big fish, they did make some notable trades. Arizona shipped Johan Larsson to the Washington Capitals for a third-round pick in 2023 and acquired prospect Jack McBain from the Minnesota Wild for a 2022 second-rounder.

Armstrong also opted against dealing Phil Kessel, a pending unrestricted free agent. The second-year general manager said the forward's $6.8 million cap hit was too big of a hurdle to facilitate a deal.