"Tough question" - Jakob Chychrun casts shadow over Senators future

Things are getting murkier about what's next for Jakob Chychrun with the Ottawa Senators as he's heading into the last year of his contract. Chychrun, who is signed through next season at a cap hit of $4.6 million, expressed hesitancy about his long-term commitment to the Senators during a recent interview. When asked if he sees Ottawa as his long-term home, Chychrun said:

"It's a tough question, I don't know."

Chychrun's ambiguity stems from the lack of extension talks with the Senators, leaving his future in limbo. He emphasized that he hasn't yet wrapped his head around the idea of an extension:

"I honestly have not thought about that. I know I have one more year left (on my contract). There haven’t been talks of an extension or anything, so I haven’t got my head wrapped around that idea."

The 26-year-old defenseman's uncertain status has been a topic of speculation, especially given Ottawa's struggles both on and off the ice. Despite posting impressive numbers with 14 goals and 41 points in 82 games this season, Chychrun's future remains uncertain amid the team's disappointing performance.

Ottawa acquired Jakob Chychrun from the Arizona Coyotes ahead of the 2023 trade deadline, hoping to bolster the defensive lineup. However, with the Senators failing to make significant strides, speculation regarding Chychrun's future intensified. Even before the trade deadline passed, there were talks circulating about Chychrun's potential departure from the team.

"The trade deadline is over, but people are already talking about the summer. It's not like the chatter is going anywhere," Chychrun said.

Despite his attempts to focus on the present, the looming uncertainty continues to cast a shadow over his tenure with the Senators.

Ottawa's decision to acquire Jakob Chychrun came at a cost, with the team parting ways with valuable draft picks in the hopes of securing a long-term defensive asset. However, with the Senators missing the playoffs for the seventh consecutive year and undergoing significant organizational changes, Chychrun's future with the team remains uncertain.

Jakob Chychrun and Senators secured 3-1 victory over Bruins

In the regular-season finale, the Ottawa Senators defeated the Boston Bruins 3-1. Jiri Smejkal and Jakob Chychrun scored for Ottawa, with Artem Zub adding an empty-net goal.

Anton Forsberg made 34 saves, frustrating the Bruins' attempts. Boston, led by Brad Marchand, acknowledged the slow start but remained confident for the playoffs.

The loss relegated the Bruins to second in the Atlantic Division behind the Florida Panthers.

Despite late pressure, the Bruins couldn't overcome Forsberg's solid performance. Pavel Zacha scored Boston's lone goal, while Linus Ullmark made 17 saves. The game marked the end of Bruins announcer Jack Edwards' 19-year tenure. Smejkal's first career goal energized Ottawa, and Tkachuk praised Forsberg's crucial saves.

The Bruins face the Toronto Maple Leafs in the playoffs, aiming for redemption after last season's early exit despite winning the President's Trophy.