Flames First Round Targets 2016: Jakob Chychrun

At the end of 2013, Chychrun was drafted in the 10th round, 144th overall, by the Youngstown Phantoms of the USHL. Even though Chychrun had already tried out and made the Phantoms, he faced a critical obstacle. USA Hockey had recently implemented a new rule requiring 15-year-olds to receive a special exemption to play junior hockey. Chychrun’s request was denied. The process took long enough that by the time the decision was made, most of Chychrun’s options had already closed and he was left without a team to play for at the start of the 2013-14 season. It was at this moment that the Toronto Jr. Canadiens seized the opportunity to add a player of Chychrun’s caliber to their organization and offered him a spot on their Minor Midget AAA team if he would move north to Ontario.

There will be a lot of talk between scouts, media and fans as the 2016 draft approaches questioning the overall ranking of this uncontested top defender. Where does he fall versus the plethora of forwards that are available? In comparing him against Olli Juolevi and Mikhail Sergachev, Chychrun is the most complete player of the three. Juolevi made a significant push forward during the past World Junior Championship. The smooth skating Finn put up several points and impressed several scouts. The London Knights top defender does not have the physical ability, overall hockey sense, or shooting ability that Chychrun holsters. Sergachev is as good or maybe better when rushing up the ice and driving towards the net. Again he loses out in sense and shooting. 

A percentage of NHL general managers still value family trees and bloodlines as an important measurable of a potential prospect. He is the son of Jeff Chychrun and the nephew of Luke Richardson; he is a second generation player that shows his maturity on and off the ice. Richardson and his nephew work together in raising awareness for mental illness alongside of the Do It for Daron Foundation. 

These intangibles may push a team to move Chychrun up a slot or two on an organization’s big board.
So where does the projection lie? Can his potential be reached? At least one more year of junior hockey will serve Chychrun well. He will need to work on his defensive play, both one versus one and coverage once established in the zone. His flat-footed stance when skating backwards also needs correction or he will get blown by at the pro level. If a team decides to bring him into the NHL as an 18 year old it could significantly drop the ceiling for this highlight reel player. With the right development path it’s within reach for the offensively gifted point man to see top pairing minutes.

Juolevi’s skill set and situation is an almost perfect counterpoint to Chychrun’s. Said one NHL scouting director: “Chychrun has all the tools, great skating, great shot, size, but you keep waiting for him to make plays and you’re left wanting more. Maybe the team is a bit of a factor. Maybe Chychrun would look different if he were playing with [a stronger team in London]. And maybe there’s a bit of hype to it—we heard about Chychrun before he played in the OHL. We’ve been seeing him for two years. He doesn’t make the Canadian team [for the WJC]. Maybe we’re just looking to pick him apart more.”