The Pittsburgh Penguins made a notable move this week, acquiring forward Yegor Chinakhov from the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for Danton Heinen, a 2026 second-round pick, and a 2027 third-round pick. The deal gives Pittsburgh a young winger with offensive upside, while Columbus adds veteran depth and valuable draft capital. For the Penguins, the trade represents both a short-term boost and a long-term investment in a player who has yet to fully tap into his potential at the NHL level.
Chinakhov’s journey to this point has been anything but ordinary. Drafted 21st overall in the first round of the 2020 NHL Draft by Columbus, his selection raised eyebrows among analysts who had projected him as a later-round pick. Yet the Blue Jackets saw something in his skill set, his quick release, smooth skating, and ability to find open ice, that justified the gamble. After spending time developing in Russia, Chinakhov made the jump to the NHL in 2021 and quickly showed flashes of the offensive instincts that made him a first-rounder.
Since his debut, Chinakhov has played in 204 NHL games, recording 37 goals and 40 assists for 77 points. His most productive season came in 2023-24, when he tallied 16 goals and 29 points in 53 games, demonstrating his ability to contribute as a secondary scorer. This season, however, his role diminished in Columbus, where he managed just three goals and three assists in 29 games while averaging a career-low 10 minutes of ice time. That lack of opportunity ultimately led to his request for a change of scenery, setting the stage for Pittsburgh to swoop in.
At 24 years old, Chinakhov is entering the prime of his career, and the Penguins are betting that his best hockey is still ahead of him. His offensive strengths, particularly his shot and knack for generating scoring chances, make him a natural fit for Pittsburgh’s middle six, where the team has struggled to find consistent production. He also brings speed and energy to a roster that has leaned heavily on aging stars like Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, offering a much-needed injection of youth.
The Penguins will also benefit from Chinakhov’s versatility. While primarily a winger, he has shown the ability to adapt to different roles and could see time on the power play, where his quick release can be a weapon. His defensive game remains a work in progress, but Pittsburgh’s coaching staff will have the opportunity to refine his two-way play while maximizing his offensive contributions.
Contractually, Chinakhov is in the final year of his deal, carrying a $2.1 million cap hit before becoming a restricted free agent in July. This gives the Penguins flexibility: if he thrives in Pittsburgh, they can lock him up long-term; if not, they can reassess without a major financial burden. It’s a low-risk, high-reward scenario for a team that has been searching for ways to stay competitive in the Eastern Conference.
Ultimately, the acquisition of Yegor Chinakhov is about more than just adding another forward. It’s a strategic move that blends immediate need with future potential, giving the Penguins a chance to bolster their lineup while investing in a player who could grow into a key piece of their next generation. If Chinakhov can rediscover the form he showed in 2023-24, this trade could prove to be a savvy piece of business for Pittsburgh, one that helps bridge the gap between the team’s veteran core and its future ambitions.