The Columbus Blue Jackets could be forced into a decision sooner than expected on young forward Yegor Chinakhov. After an injury-plagued 2023–24 season and disagreements over his recovery, Chinakhov has made it clear that he would welcome a move to a new team.
Two seasons ago, Yegor Chinakhov tallied 16 goals and 13 assists over just 53 games—putting him on pace for a 25-goal campaign. With a modest $2.1 million cap hit and just 24 years old, Chinakhov stands out as an attractive target for NHL teams seeking scoring depth and long-term upside.
Two clubs—the New Jersey Devils and the Buffalo Sabres—are reportedly in a position to benefit from this situation. Both organizations are in need of scoring depth and have the flexibility to buy low on a player with top-six potential.
Devils may see a buy-low opportunity in Chinakhov
According to a report by James Nichols of NJ Hockey Now, New Jersey Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald should be exploring a potential acquisition of forward Chinakhov from the Blue Jackets.
: Yegor Chinakhov #59 of the Columbus Blue Jackets at Crypto.com Arena on November 09, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
After trading away Tyler Toffoli at the 2024 deadline, the Devils have yet to fill the offensive hole left behind. Though Dawson Mercer was expected to step up, his performance has settled him into more of a third-line center role. A healthy Chinakhov could thrive in the Devils’ top six, especially on a line with Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt.
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NHL News: Yegor Chinakhov and Columbus reportedly losing sight of silver lining amid meddling by Auston Matthews’ Toronto
Sabres could reunite Chinakhov with familiar face
As noted by Michael Augello of The Hockey News, the Sabres remain in the market for a top-six winger—an increasingly difficult role to fill at this stage of the offseason.
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There’s added familiarity as Jarmo Kekalainen, the Sabres’ senior advisor, was the GM who drafted Chinakhov 21st overall in 2020. Buffalo might consider parting with a promising piece like Isak Rosen, a prospect with 15 NHL games to his name. That offer could appeal to Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell, especially now that the leverage has shifted following Chinakhov’s public trade request.
