In a surprising turn of events, the spotlight in the NHL has now shifted to the team known for firing the cannons. Amid an intense summer of rumors surrounding Yegor Chinakhov, the Columbus Blue Jackets can’t help but make more noise. According to reports, the organization in Ohio is exploring the market for another young forward in its ranks.
The Blue Jackets are gearing up for a pivotal 2025-26 NHL season. Columbus was one of the most pleasant surprises of the past campaign—especially after the heartbreaking summer the team endured. Throughout the league, there wasn’t a single fan who wasn’t rooting for the Jackets to prevail over adversity. And that they did.
However, it’s a new day in Ohio, and the Blue Jackets know the bar has only risen for them. After barely missing out in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the goal for the upcoming season is crystal-clear. But they will need some help offensively, and that’s what Columbus is focusing on.
After openly requesting a trade out of Columbus, Chinakhov has become the talk of the town in the NHL. However, the latest reports out of the Discovery City indicate that it’s not the 24-year-old Russian forward the Blue Jackets are shopping. Well—actually—it is a 24-year-old Russian forward, just not Chinakhov.
Dmitri Voronkov #10 of the Columbus Blue Jackets seen in action during the 2025 NHL Stadium Series against the Detroit Red Wings at Ohio Stadium on March 01, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio.
Testing the waters
As reported across the NHL, the Blue Jackets have placed Dmitry Voronkov in different trade packages, hoping to land an upgrade on the offensive side of the puck. “Columbus wants to add an impact player and could continue to dangle Voronkov in a deal for a big piece,” as stated by The Fourth Period.
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Voronkov is coming off an exciting NHL sophomore season. The former fourth-round pick in 2019 registered 47 points (23 goals and 24 assists) in 73 games. That’s definitely a level of production Columbus can live with from a third-liner. However, the Blue Jackets might prefer to trade him while his value is on the rise.
Common ground, at last
While Chinakhov and his camp have made their discomfort with the team very clear, the two parties agree in one thing. At least, until now they have. However, everything is subject to change amid such drama at Nationwide Arena.
“Both sides agree Chinakhov will report for training camp in September,” The Hockey News’ Lyle Richardson stated. Still, if Chinakhov and his agent don’t see progress in trade conversations, this consensus might be wiped off.
Dmitri Voronkov #10 of the Columbus Blue Jackets looks on during a game against the Philadelphia Flyers at the Wells Fargo Center on December 21, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Working out their differences
“I don’t think there’s any way he can stay in Columbus. I don’t see any way. Chinakhov is comfortable with this team. He’s comfortable with the city. But he’s not comfortable with this coach. It’s all about the coach,” Chinakhov’s agent, Shumi Babaev, told The Athletic.
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While the Blue Jackets have no desire to move on from their current bench boss, the relationship between the gaffer and the young forward can still heal before the start of training camp and the 2025-26 regular season. As things stand, it seems Columbus is betting on that, and not rushing into cutting ties with their former first-round pick in 2020.
