Fulll Details of Yegor Chinakhov Trade to Penguins

This is being seen as a solid return for the Blue Jackets. Pierre LeBrun writes, “So the CBJ traded a 2nd and a 4th for Marchment on Dec. 19, then 10 days later got a 2nd Rd pick and a 3rd Rd pick for Chinakhov (plus Danton Heinen).”

Chinakhov’s trade from Columbus had been expected since he requested a move in the offseason. A 2020 first-round pick, he showed flashes of top-six ability but never sustained success, largely due to injuries and inconsistent usage. The Penguins seem to believe they can pull something out of him.

Despite lineup opportunities this season, he couldn’t secure a permanent role in Columbus, and GM Don Waddell had been open to moving him. The two biggest surprises are that he is being sent to a division rival and that the Penguins gave up three pieces to make the trade work.

“This trade provides us with additional draft capital over the next two years and a good two-way player in Danton Heinen that will add to our organizational depth at the forward position,” said Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell. “With regard to Yegor, we believe a change of scenery was in the best interests of both he and the club and we thank him for his contributions over the past five seasons.”

Chinakhov, 24, has spent his entire five-year professional career with the Blue Jackets, where he’s recorded 37 goals, 40 assists, and 77 points in 204 NHL games. This season, he has accumulated six points (3G-3A) in 29 games.