Arizona Coyotes GM John Chayka has quickly become a mover and a shaker among NHL GMs. What Chayka lacks in years of NHL service he more than makes up for in courage to make changes to his roster and organizational depth.
Recently, the Coyotes web content team shot this day in the life of Chayka. In it, the young GM discusses his methodology of identifying, drafting and developing players for his club.
We also get a glimpse into Chayka’s passion for making trades.
Chayka is a proponent of trading veteran players for prospects and draft choices. He recently took Marian Hossa’s contract off the hands of Chicago Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman in exchange for forward Vinnie Hinistroza.
Chayka’s discussion with Buffalo Sabres GM Jason Botterill about a trade for forward Hudson Fasching is fascinating because it segued into a bigger trade opportunity. Chayka asked Botterill about the availability of Sabres center Ryan O’Reilly. Chayka says in the price that he is revisiting previous discussions with Botterill regarding ROR. The Sabres traded Fasching to the Coyotes on June 14 in exchange for defenseman Brandon Hickey and forward Mike Sislo.
Fasching appeared in 22 games with the Sabres over the past three seasons, totaling just one goal and three points over that span. Fasching has fallen down Botterill’s depth chart and was in need of a new address in another organization. Fasching isn’t guaranteed a roster spot with the Desert Dogs. He’s going to have to earn his ice time or be relegated to the minors.
I’d love to hear Botterill’s response to Chayka’s question about Ryan O’Reilly’s availability. Were Botterill and Chayka ever close to finalizing a deal for ROR or was it just window shopping on behalf of the Coyotes?
Chayka was one of many NHL GM interested in acquiring O'Reilly. We kniw that Montreal GM Marc Bergevin was hot to trot for O'Reilly, as was Carolina GM Don Waddell.
One wonders if Max Domi or Oliver Ekman Larsson were considerations for Botterill to acquire in a Sabres-Coyotes swap.
Chayka and Pittsburgh Penguins GM Jim Rutherford spoke about a Max Domi to Pittsburgh trade but it never materialized. Domi’s father, Tie, and Penguins owner Mario Lemieux are close friends.
Chayka would eventually trade Domi to the Montreal Canadiens for center/winger Alex Galchenyuk.
On July 1, Botterill pulled the trigger on a blockbuster trade that sent Ryan O’Reilly to St. Louis in excange for five premium assets: 2019-1st rounder, forwards Tage Thompson, Patrik Berglund and Vlad Sobotka, plus, a second round selection in 2021.
No wonder Chayka balked at Botterill’s ask of five pieces for O’Reilly. No other NHL GM was willing to part with five pieces of trade currency to acquire O’Reilly. Blues GM Doug Armstrong went all-in and got himself one of the best faceoff men and power play performers in the NHL in O’Reilly.
Check out the behind the scenes glimpse of Chayka here:
Thanks, Arizona Coyotes
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Rasmus Dahlin is wearing the Buffalo Sabres logo proudly this summer!
Looks like the first overall pick has invested some of his entry level contract in a spankin new jet ski.
Sabres fans can't wait until September's Propect Challenge to watch Dahlin slalom 200 feet up and down the ice!
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