Columbus Blue Jackets Making Trade Offers

The Columbus Blue Jackets have been busy wrapped up in trade talks, but so far, no deal has materialized involving forward Yegor Chinakhov. 

The 24-year-old former first-round pick asked for a trade during the summer months, and while there's been plenty of chatter, so far GM Don Waddell hasn't received a return he's satisfied with to pull the trigger. 

Chinakhov is averaging a career low 10:14 of ice time per game this season, appearing in 15 games and collecting two goals, and two assists. He's not seeing any time on special teams, has landed 11 hits, and blocked six shots. Frankly, there just isn't much going on with his game, and he's not making any impact in the bottom six for the Blue Jackets as a checking forward.

#CBJ head coach Dean Evason on they want more of from Yegor Chinakhov: "Just compete. Just sticking his nose in there, using his speed to get in. We don't think he's done that enough. But he's played well. It's just a situation where we have a back-to-back and we'd like to get…

— Jeff Svoboda (@JacketsInsider) November 18, 2025

Chinakhov's best year came back in 2023-24, when he dressed in 53 games, scored 16 goals, and finished with 29 points. There was a lot of chatter about a deal involving the Toronto Maple Leafs and Nick Robertson heading to Columbus, but at the time, Waddell said no, but now, considering how well Robertson is playing, it's likely he'd gladly accept that deal now.

The Athletic's Chris Johnston recently commented on Chinakhov's future in Columbus and had this to say:

A trade request by the player went unfulfilled over the summer, and the situation hasn’t gotten any better since Chinakhov returned to Columbus this fall. He is currently seeing the fewest minutes per game of his NHL career, which would make this an upside play for any potential buyer. Chinakhov has strong offensive instincts and possesses an intriguing set of tools, including a maximum skating speed that ranks in the 90th percentile among NHL players this season and a hardest shot that ranks in the 98th percentile, according to NHL Edge data. A fresh start is needed.

Keep an eye on the Blue Jackets. They are looking for an NHL roster player back in any trade, and aren't giving up on a former first rounder for future considerations.

Photo credit: Bob Lee, Imagn Images