Blue Jackets Finalizing Trade to Move Yegor Chinakhov

According to NHL insider Pierre LeBrun, “The Blue Jackets are finalizing a trade involving Igor Chinakov [Yegor Chinakhov]. Columbus is getting draft picks back.” The news comes after months of uncertainty surrounding the unhappy forward, who had asked for a trade earlier this season.

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LeBrun later updated the report to note that Chinakhov is headed to the Pittsburgh Penguins. Pittsburgh acquiring Chinakhov feels like GM Kyle Dubas is adding more tradeable assets to his NHL trade deadline portfolio. Chinakhov is 24, owns a legitimate NHL shot, and still has upside to tap into in a more stable environment.

From Columbus’ side, it looks more like liquidation than strategy. This deal could be a win for Pittsburgh, either because the player becomes something or they can flip him in a couple of months for an upgrade.

Interestingly, it wasn’t long ago that LeBrun also reported that when teams called earlier this year, I don’t think Columbus wanted just a draft pick for Chinakhov. They wanted a player. But now that they’ve spent a second-round pick…on Marchment, they might be OK recouping a second-round pick.

The Blue Jackets maintained conversations with NHL teams about a Chinakhov trade, but other clubs weren’t ready to take a swing if it meant giving up a lot in return. He has three goals and six points in 29 games this season.

More to come…

Next: Recently Dealt $18M Winger Had Toronto on His No-Trade List