Jakob Chychrun's Unusual Diet Sparks Buzz Around Capitals

A Friday RMNB story said Chychrun still eats raw animal hearts and livers, and he explained why. He told ESPN it comes down to respecting food sources, especially after seeing farm slaughter up close.

Spencer Carbery admitted he hears teammates chirp him about the routine on the bus. The coach sounded half amused, half impressed, calling Chychrun «dedicated to his body and his craft».

The habit goes back to his teen years, when his dad Jeff Chychrun linked him with a trainer and meal plans. Jakob Chychrun said he packed school lunches, and his friends thought he was nuts.

Caps fans laugh at the quirks as long as Chychrun keeps sniping pucks. He's been a fourth attacker, 28 points in 37 games on the tracker, jumping into rushes and ripping quick shots off exits.

In the same reporting, Chychrun said heart tastes better than liver, which is a sentence I never expected to write. He tied it to not being «wasteful» if you have ever slaughtered your own animal.

He and his wife Olivia have talked about owning a farm, and RMNB noted they are expecting their first child this month. It fits his point, he avoids foods with long labels and weird ingredients.

The on-ice results are the reason this story lands, not just the lifestyle chatter. Drafted 16th by Arizona in 2016, the 27-year-old plays 23 minutes a night, and drives Washington's attack from the blue line.

ESPN reported he had 15 goals in his first 38 games, a pace that threatens Kevin Hatcher's franchise record of 34 by a defenseman. When a defender can beat goalies clean, the Caps' forecheck gets rewarded, because exits turn into second waves.

Washington has a lot of season left, but Chychrun's oddball approach is working right now. Next up, he has to keep scoring and keep defending, while the room keeps laughing.

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