Per Yegor Chinakhov's Agent, Columbus Is Ready To Sign Him Long-Term

Yegor Chinakhov is quickly becoming a recognizable name around the league. A far cry from the day he was drafted in 2020 when the pick of Chinakhov left studio analysts speechless on live TV. 

Four years later, the Columbus Blue Jackets could be ready to ink "Chinny" to a multi-year deal. According to Chinakhov's agent, "The clubs have already told that they are interested in prolonged contracts of these players." The other player in the post is Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Yegor Zamula.

Chinakhov hasn't played an entire season yet for Columbus, as injuries have held him back every year. But the 2023-24 season was Chinakhov's breakout year. In 53 games, Chinakhov scored 16 goals and finished with 29 points. His career high in goals was 7, and his points were 14. 

If Chinakhov can stay healthy, he could be an elite goal scorer in the NHL. He's only 23 years old and has plenty of time to mature into that kind of player. Every night he consistently had the hardest shot(s) in the game, and while playing with Kirill Marchenko and Dmitri Voronkov, they meshed almost perfectly to create "The Russian Line" that everyone fell in love with. 

I would expect a three to four-year deal for Chinakhov. He needs to stay healthy first and foremost, and if he does this, we could see him score 30 easily next season. CBJ fans hope for a longer deal, but I expect a shorter bridge type. 

Either way, signing Chinakhov, who is one of 11 RFAs in the organization, is of paramount importance to this team as he figures to be a key player in the coming years. Checking this box off for 3 or 4 years should keep him on track to become that elite goal scorer everyone sees in him. 

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