Chychrun expects mixed reception in Ottawa: 'I didn't trade myself'

Jakob Chychrun admits he's expecting a "mixed" reception Thursday when he faces the Ottawa Senators as a member of the Washington Capitals for the first time.

"I didn't trade myself," he said when asked what went wrong during his time in Ottawa. "I think a lot of people were talking about the fit, obviously they got the two (Jake Sanderson and Thomas Chabot) on the left side. I just think maybe the fit wasn't as good as it is here."

The rearguard added, "I'm sure there's gonna be some people who are not happy with me for whatever reason and be booing. It is what it is, you're not gonna please everybody. I think, at times, fans think they really understand everybody's situation in this league and that's just not the case. ... I'll be happy to come back and play in front of them."

Chychrun spent one full season in Canada's capital after being acquired by the Senators from the Arizona Coyotes prior to the 2023 trade deadline.

Ottawa failed to take a step in 2023-24 and Chychrun's name resurfaced in trade rumors throughout the season, but he wasn't dealt until the summer. The Senators sent him to the Capitals in July in exchange for defenseman Nick Jensen and a 2026 third-round pick.

Chychrun, who has family in Ottawa, made it clear he has "great memories" with the franchise.

"Not everybody gets to play in a spot where they're that close to home," he said. "It was a very special time for my family and I. I'm glad I got to experience that with them."

Chychrun is currently thriving with the Capitals. He boasts 12 goals and 30 points in 39 outings entering Thursday's action and is on pace to surpass his previous career high of 41 points - set last season with the Senators and in 2020-21 with the Coyotes.

The 26-year-old can become an unrestricted free agent after the season upon the expiry of his six-year, $27.6-million deal.

Chychrun addressed his contract status Wednesday during an appearance on 106.7 The Fan, saying, "we'll see how things go."

"It's been a blast," he said. "The contract stuff, I mean obviously for the most part, I'm not the one on the phone doing that stuff, so I just try to focus on preparing each night and just helping this club win hockey games.

"As long as we're doing that, I know all the other stuff will take care of itself. We have loved our time here so far. Hopefully, all that other stuff gets taken care of soon."