When Columbus Blue Jackets forward Yegor Chinakhov's agent revealed that he is seeking an opportunity to play elsewhere, it didn’t take long for at least half a dozen fanbases to start calling for their teams to check in on him.
If the Blue Jackets actually decide to trade him, there will be no shortage of interest. He’s a 24-year-old forward, signed at $2.1 million for one more year before hitting RFA status. Injuries have slowed him at times, but there’s still upside. His career high came back in 2023-24 when he put up 29 points in 53 games. Teams will see him as a bit of a reclamation project. So here are three clubs that could make sense if Chinakhov is moved.
Chicago Blackhawks
The Chicago Blackhawks are looking to add more skill around Connor Bedard. Chinakhov probably wouldn’t land on the top line right away, but he could help address their lack of secondary scoring. Adding younger, still-developing players with upside is exactly the kind of move they need right now. They’ve drafted well lately, but those prospects still need time. So in the meantime, this is the kind of swing that could help bridge the gap. And it gives Bedard another potential weapon to work with. The upside is there.
Looking at the Blackhawks’ roster, it’s hard to say exactly what the asking price would be. They have plenty of young players, and some are pushing for NHL spots already. If they’re serious about acquiring Chinakhov, Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell could target a prospect like Paul Ludwinski and a mid-tier pick to get the deal done.
Vancouver Canucks
The Vancouver Canucks are in a bit of a grey area. They may not be true contenders, but they’re not bottom-feeders either. And with the Quinn Hughes contract situation always lurking in the background, they need to keep moving forward. Which is why it makes sense for them to explore players like Chinakhov who have untapped potential. It’s tough to predict the exact ask here, especially since he’s not officially on the block. But if the Blue Jackets are looking to swap him for a roster-ready player, someone like Drew O'Connor might make sense.
O’Connor is three years older but has a similar toolkit. If Chinakhov wants more opportunity, Vancouver could give him that. The Canucks still need another top-six option, and Chinakhov could get that kind of shot. On the other side, Columbus used him mostly on the third line. If they believe that role is replaceable, O'Connor fits the mold.
Utah Mammoth
The last team here is the Utah Mammoth. They’ve already made several moves to upgrade their roster but still seem open to more. After acquiring J.J. Peterka, they sent a message that they’re not afraid to be aggressive. Chinakhov would be a different kind of move, but not a bad one.
A new organization, new coaching staff, new surroundings. That might be exactly what Chinakhov needs. The question is whether he’d get the kind of role he’s looking for in Utah. He likely wouldn’t slot into the top six right away, which could complicate things. If the minutes aren’t there, it might not be the best fit for him. But if he’s willing to prove himself, Utah could still be a strong option. In terms of a return, Waddell could look at Kevin Stenlund and a mid-round pick. That’s if he wants to add a responsible bottom-six piece and some extra value.
If he’s thinking bigger, Barrett Hayton could be a name that comes up. Hayton for Chinakhov and a sweetener might make sense for both sides. Utah gets a younger, cheaper option with a different skill set. Columbus gets a two-way center who’s had some NHL success. There’s flexibility here, which is what makes Utah a sneaky fit.
Outside of those three, there are other teams that could take a look. The Florida Panthers, Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, and New Jersey Devils all come to mind. Each could use another young scoring forward, and Chinakhov fits the age range and profile that teams are always looking to add. If the Blue Jackets move him, there will be options. It’ll be up to Waddell to find the right return—someone who fits their timeline and helps their group right now.
There’s also a chance Waddell chooses not to move him right away. Holding onto Chinakhov until closer to the 2026 Trade Deadline could go either way. It might boost his value if he stays healthy and productive. Or, it could stall out if the season goes sideways again. Either way, this is one of those situations that could unfold quickly. Chinakhov clearly wants a new opportunity. The question now is whether the Blue Jackets are willing to give it to him or if they try to convince him to stick it out. Waddell has the leverage. It’s just a matter of how he plays it.
