Where are they Now – Jakob Chychrun Arizona Coyotes
The NHL represents the ultimate challenge for every hockey player. Moreover, it is the final frontier where players make it or break. With the abundance of talent, that has not always been an easy task for many young players. However, the GTHL has been a league that has always nurtured talented players. Hockey players that can step up in the best hockey league in the world. One of those NHL players that learned their trade in the GTHL is the Arizona Coyotes defencemen Jakob Chychrun.
Journey to the Top Flight
Jakob Chychrun was born on March 31st, 1998 in Boca Raton, Florida. And he plays as a defenseman for the Arizona Coyotes oi the National Hockey League. Also. he was drafted sixteenth overall by the Coyotes at the 2016 NHL Entry Draft.
However, his journey to the finest hockey league in the world started in his home state of Florida with the Junior Everblades and the Florida Jr. Panthers organizations. Also, his next stops were at Little Caesars organization in Detroit, Michigan. But not everything went easy and smooth for the young talent as he was denied a special exemption to play junior hockey in USHL during the season of 2013.
As a result, Chychrun moved to Toronto and played his minor midget season for the Toronto Jr. Canadiens in the GTHL. That is where the Florida men made his mark and attracted the attention of the scouts. After one season with the Jr. Canadiens. Chychrun signed for Sarnia Sting in the Ontario Hockey League. After two seasons spent in the OHL, the highly-rated defencemen was drafted by the Arizona Coyotes in the first round,
Professional
Chychrun signed his NHL entry-level contract with the Coyotes. Furthermore, the commanding defencemen scored his first NHL goal on October 20, 2016, against the Montreal Canadiens. And during his first season, the American athlete finished the season with seven goals and 20 points in 68 games.
Currently, Chychrun has a with a six-year, $27.6 million contract extension with the Arizona Coyotes.
Jakob Chychrun is a prime example of how the GTHL and OHL can nurture talent that can reach the very top of the game. His talent was always there, but his time with the Jr. Canadiens gave him the perfect platform for success.
