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Blue Jackets Finalizing Trade to Move Yegor Chinakhov

Originally posted on NHL Trade Talk | Last updated Dec 29, 2025 3:08 PM ET

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.

LeBrun later updated the report to note that Chinakhov is headed to the Pittsburgh Penguins.

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…

This article first appeared on NHL Trade Talk and was syndicated with permission.

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