Report: Another defenseman scratched tonight for “trade-related reasons”

In case you missed it this past weekend, the Arizona Coyotes made headlines around the NHL when they announced that they would scratch defenseman Jakob Chychrun for their game against the St. Louis Blues for what they called "trade related reasons."

The Coyotes dropped that game to the Blues, but that was hardly the story on Saturday evening. The bigger news was that the Coyotes and the Los Angeles Kings were reportedly close to a deal for Chychrun, but that they couldn't quite come to terms. Then last night the Coyotes announced that Chychrun will be scratched until a trade can be consummated.

So that sounds to me like Chychrun is officially done with the Coyotes and won't suit up again in the NHL until he's on a new team. It's a smart move by the Coyotes, even if it's a bit unorthodox. 

Following in the Coyotes' foot-steps, the Columbus Blue Jackets have announced that they'll be scratching defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov also for "trade-related reasons".

Check it out:

The 27 year old Gavrikov has three goals and 10 points in 52 games this season, which sounds underwhelming but he isn't particularly known for his offensive game. The 6 foot, 3 inch, 220 pound blueliner is known more for his defensive awareness and his physical ability than his offensive production. He's in the final year of a contract that pays him $2.8 million annually and is slated to become an unrestricted free agent this upcoming offseason. All of this is to say that he's an absolutely perfect deadline rental option, especially given his relatively low salary. 

With the Blue Jackets mired at the bottom of the NHL's standings, Gavrikov seems unlikely to return to Columbus, so it makes sense that GM Jarmo Kekkalainen will attempt to get some quality assets for him before Gavrikov departs the team for good. Personally, I think Gavrikov could fetch a mid to high level draft pick if Kekkalainen is able to hold out for his best offer. Stay tuned.