The Washington Capitals are one of many hottest groups within the NHL and defenseman Jakob Chychrun is an enormous motive why.
The 26-year-old arrived within the nation’s capital through commerce in early July, and because the begin of the season he is had an instantaneous impression on the rating sheet.
Chychrun scored his eleventh aim of the yr on Tuesday towards the Boston Bruins, tying him for the league lead for defensemen.
With 25 factors and counting, Chychrun is tied for 14th among defenseman however all indicators point out his offensive prowess from the blue line is just going to get hotter from right here on out.
The previous Arizona Coyote and Ottawa Senator has 4 factors in his final three video games performed and is effectively on observe to high his career high of 18 goals from 2020-21. He is additionally already greater than midway to his profession excessive in factors (41) from simply final season, tallying 17 points in as many games since Nov. 25.
In accordance with RMNB’s Peter Haslett, Chychrun is presently outscoring 9 high-profile forwards together with Sidney Crosby, Jack Eichel and Connor Bedard.
For his efforts, Chychrun ought to start creeping into the minds of NHL award voters, particularly for the Norris Trophy which is handed out to the league’s finest offensive defenseman.
After all, it’s going to be onerous to shake the hype of Colorado Avalanche star Cale Makar, a perennial contender, and the Vancouver Canucks’ Quinn Hughes, the 2023-24 winner.
However Chychrun has the power to show his worthiness, particularly with a high-flying squad corresponding to Washington.
It’s going to be onerous for voters to disregard his spectacular play when the Capitals would be the focus of the playoff hunt and an all-important file chase.
Chychrun has assisted captain Alex Ovechkin a number of occasions this yr in his quest to pass Hockey Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky for many profession targets all-time.
With that many eyeballs on the staff, there’s sure to be point out of Washington gamers in season honor discussions sooner or later. Chychrun needs to be one of many first to be thought-about.