Columbus Blue Jackets Rejecting Trade Offers

The Columbus Blue Jackets are fielding trade offers for disgruntled forward Yegor Chinakhov, however, so far GM Don Waddell hasn't received an offer he's interested in.

Multiple reports have surfaced stating Waddell is holding out to make a 'hockey' trade, and isn't interested in all the draft picks and prospects teams are offering to this point. There's also been rumblings the Toronto Maple Leafs offered Nick Robertson straight up, but Waddell didn't budge.

Pierre LeBrun: Re Yegor Chinakhov trade rumours: "My understanding is that the player’s new agent, Rick Komarow, has permission from the Blue Jackets to talk directly to teams. They’re not just looking for draft picks;" "It would be more of a hockey trade if they find a fit" - The Athletic (10/24)

Chinakhov, 24, is a former first-round draft pick and is signed for $2.1 million AAV this season. He'll be a pending restricted free agent at season's end and it's obvious the Blue Jackets aren't just going to 'give' him away to an interested team, and it seems like Waddell is running a tough bargain.

There's also been a lot of chatter that the Boston Bruins are going to make a run at Chinakhov, but so far nothing appears imminent at this time.

To be honest, we think so too. His 45 minutes this year were great. However, in the case of such an exchange, it is necessary to clearly understand whose spot Yegor Chinakhov will take in the #NHLBruins roster https://t.co/pXrW1uxg3O pic.twitter.com/G3AR3TZBx9
— Benchrates (@benchrates) October 26, 2025

Look for the Blue Jackets to hold firm on their demands as Waddell wants a top-nine forward he can insert into the lineup immediately, which could mean these trade talks materialize into a bigger move. The Vancouver Canucks, Bruins, Maple Leafs, Predators, and Carolina Hurricanes could eventually win the sweepstakes.