Yegor Chinakhov, a promising forward, has officially been traded from the Columbus Blue Jackets to the Pittsburgh Penguins. This development comes after Chinakhov expressed a desire to leave Columbus, a request that has now been honored.
Details of the Trade
The Columbus Blue Jackets have agreed to part ways with Chinakhov, a 21st overall pick from the 2020 NHL Draft. He has spent nearly five years with the Blue Jackets, but his relationship with the team soured during the 2023-24 season. Notably, Columbus hired Dean Evason as head coach, which impacted Chinakhov’s ice time and performance.
Chinakhov’s Performance History
- 2023-24 Season: Chinakhov had his best season, scoring 16 goals and totaling 29 points in 53 games.
- Ice Time: Averaged 15:10 per game during his best season, projecting around 25 goals if sustained.
- Current Season: Scored 10 goals and 21 points in 59 games while averaging only 13:03 on the ice.
Despite a strong offensive showing, concerns about Chinakhov’s defensive contributions persisted. He recorded an 89.4% on-ice save percentage at even strength, though he started most shifts in offensive zones. Since Evason’s appointment, his ice time has been limited, hindering any potential improvement.
Trade Impact on Penguins
Joining the Pittsburgh Penguins provides Chinakhov with a fresh opportunity. He could step into a middle-six role, moving away from his previous fourth-line position. The Penguins, currently competing in the Metropolitan Division, may find Chinakhov valuable in enhancing their lineup.
Potential Contributions
- Improvement over Ville Koivunen, who has one goal and four points in 25 games on the third line.
- Possibility of joining the Penguins’ second power-play unit.
This trade reflects the Penguins’ intention to bolster their roster while offering Chinakhov a chance to revitalize his career in a new environment. As he integrates into the Pittsburgh lineup, fans and analysts alike will be keen to see how he adjusts and performs moving forward.
