Could Oilers take swing on disgruntled Blue Jackets winger?

A trade request from a Columbus Blue Jackets winger, Yegor Chinakhov, has grabbed headlines, as did comments from Blue Jackets’ GM Don Waddell and Chinakhov’s agent. This is a developing story that the Edmonton Oilers may want to keep an eye on.

Chinakhov wants out of Columbus

Chinakhov is a fascinating player who, if appropriately developed and remains healthy, could easily become a high-end depth scorer. Considering the depth the Oilers lost this summer, he could be a good fit. His trade request became public Thursday through a post on X by the player’s agent, Shumi Babaev, and was confirmed shortly after by Waddell in an interview with The Athletic‘s Aaron Portzline.

“I had some misunderstandings with the coach during the season,” Chinakhov said. “Now I would be glad to have a trade. I would like to move to a different location.”

Waddell acknowledged he was working on a deal, but wasn’t hurrying a trade to appease the forward. He noted that a trade might not happen, saying, “If he shows up with the right attitude, there’s no issue.” 

That drew a response from Chinakhov's agent: “…we are fully aware that there is an active contract in place, and if Yegor’s request for a trade does not materialize, he will continue to give 120 percent in fulfilling his responsibilities.”

Enter the Oilers into Chinakhov trade talks

“He has value,” Waddell said. “But I’m not just going to trade him because you said to trade him.”

The Blue Jackets are reportedly seeking an immediate roster player in return — not futures or picks — which could open the door for the Oilers to move some money to a team that has plenty of cap space.