Blue Jackets Trade Yegor Chinakhov to Penguins
The Columbus Blue Jackets have traded forward Yegor Chinakhov to the Pittsburgh Penguins for multiple draft picks. This move comes amid Chinakhov’s struggles this season, where he recorded three goals and six points in 29 games.
Trade Details
Chinakhov, a 24-year-old forward from Omsk, Russia, is currently under contract with a $2.1 million cap hit for this season. The trade follows his request to leave the Blue Jackets and a change of agents during the summer.
Performance Overview
- Games Played: 29
- Goals: 3
- Points: 6
- Ice Time: 10:18 per game (career-low)
- Shots on Goal: 36
Chinakhov was not included in the season opener for the Blue Jackets, which indicated his shifting status within the team. His time in Columbus has shown fluctuations in performance and ice time, raising concerns about his fit in the lineup.
Background and History
Drafted in the first round as the 21st overall pick in the 2020 NHL Draft, Chinakhov’s selection surprised many experts. Just months shy of his 20th birthday, he responded well by collecting 15 goals and 24 points with Avangard Omsk in the KHL that season.
Following a successful season and a Gagarin Cup win in 2020-21, Chinakhov debuted in the NHL during the 2021-22 season. His most productive year came in 2023-24, where he netted 16 goals and accumulated 29 points in 53 games.
Career Statistics
| Season | Games Played | Goals | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-22 | X | X | X |
| 2022-23 | X | X | X |
| 2023-24 | 53 | 16 | 29 |
| Total | 204 | 37 | 77 |
Current Standings
The Penguins, currently one point outside the Eastern Conference playoff spot with a 16-12-9 record, aim to enhance their offensive capabilities with Chinakhov’s addition. The Blue Jackets, with a record placing them last in the East, look to rebuild with the draft picks acquired from this trade.
