• Slug: Sports-Hanzal Trade, 281 words

By CAELA FOX
Cronkite News

GLENDALE – Less than a year into his role as Coyotes general manager, John Chayka is learning about the downside of his job.

Trading popular players.

“It sucks,” he said. “Kind of mixed emotions. Like I said, it’s kind of miserable and I hope to never go through this again.”

The Coyotes sent Martin Hanzal and Ryan White to the Minnesota Wild on Sunday. As Wednesday’s trade deadline nears, Chayka said he is open to more deals if it benefits the team.

He has made headlines during his short time with the organization. The Coyotes raised eyebrows in May when they made him the youngest general manager in NHL history at age 26.

And his decision to trade Hanzal prompted mixed reaction, including frustration from captain Shane Doan.

“I’m trying to make the best out of a bad situation,” Chayka said.

Doan’s frustration raises questions about the veteran’s future.

He becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer. He has a full no-movement clause in his contract and would have to approve any trade. He has not shown interest in leaving, said Chayka, who believes Doan would like to finish his career in the Valley.

Sunday’s deal secured for the Coyotes a first-round pick in 2017, a second-round pick in 2018, a conditional pick in 2019 and 24-year-old forward Grayson Downing, who will be reporting to the Tucson Roadrunners.

Hanzal’s departure, meanwhile, leaves a hole at center.

“I’m open to adding, subtracting, lateral moves, whatever it is to make our team better and continue to grow,” Chayka said.

It should be an interesting offseason for the Coyotes, who are also dealing with a lease at Gila River Arena that expires after next season.