Egor Chinakhov Makes Blunt Statement on Firing of Former Coach Dean Evason
Now a Pittsburgh Penguins winger after pushing for a fresh start, Egor Chinakhov was asked about the Columbus Blue Jackets firing Dean Evason, the coach tied to the misunderstandings that helped send Chinakhov out of town.
He said he texted former teammates after seeing the news and bluntly added he 'was not surprised.'
Chinakhov’s comments bring the old rift back into focus
The Evason situation has followed Chinakhov for months, dating back to his trade request and the public explanation from his camp that he had “misunderstandings with the coach” and wanted a new location while still developing in the NHL.
Last offseason, Egor Chinakhov requested a trade from the Blue Jackets, citing "misunderstandings" with coach Dean Evason.
— Seth Rorabaugh (@SethRorabaugh) January 17, 2026
On Dec. 29, Chinakhov was traded to the Penguins. On Tuesday, Evason was fired.
Today, Chinakhov was asked if he was surprised Evason was fired: pic.twitter.com/kMLrks53DX
Columbus management also made it clear the way it went public did not sit well, and the story around the winger became less about talent and more about his fit, role, and trust.
When Evason was fired this past week and replaced by Rick Bowness, Chinakhov’s reaction in Pittsburgh sounded like a player who felt the outcome was inevitable and was maybe still a little bitter about it all.
A fresh start in Pittsburgh is already showing on the scoresheet
On the ice, the Penguins are getting an immediate jolt. Since arriving in the December 29 deal, Chinakhov has three goals and four points in nine games, often skating alongside Evgeni Malkin. He also just took the team lead in shootout goals this season with 2 in two attempts.
He has 40 goals and 81 points in 213 career NHL games, and his best stretch in Columbus came in 2023-24 when he put up 16 goals and 29 points in 53 games.
Egor Chinakhov has been with the Penguins for just under three weeks and he already leads the team in shootout goals this season: pic.twitter.com/sOvPGPMuCo
— Seth Rorabaugh (@SethRorabaugh) January 18, 2026
Pittsburgh head coach Dan Muse has also praised the parts of Chinakhov’s game people overlook, including his work away from the puck, his tracking, and how he draws penalties.
The Blue Jackets flipped a former first-round pick for Danton Heinen plus a 2026 second-rounder and a 2027 third-rounder, while Pittsburgh took the swing on a talented 24-year-old who clearly wanted out.
Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
