Yegor Chinakhov Proving to Be Part of Penguins Future

When Kyle Dubas and the Pittsburgh Penguins made a move to add Yegor Chinakhov back in December, the hope was that Chinakhov could find his form and become the player that the Columbus Blue Jackets had hoped he would be after taking him in the first round of the 2020 NHL Draft. In his first 25-plus games in a Penguins jersey, he has done that and more.

Lead Up to Being Traded to Pittsburgh

After being selected by the Blue Jackets in 2020, Chinakhov made his debut for the organization in the 2021-22 season, and while in his time in Columbus, he did show signs of being the first-round talent they had hoped he would be, he struggled with being able to play a consistent game and produce. He was touted for his shooting ability when he was drafted, but could not seem to find his stride in his time with the Blue Jackets, topping 10 goals just once in the four full seasons he spent there.

Another aspect that limited Chinakhov was his struggles with injuries, including one that limited him to 30 games last season (a back injury). He did request a trade from Columbus before the season started, but Blue Jackets general manager (GM) Don Wadell made it clear that they would only make a move that made sense all the way around. After seeing his ice-time struggle to stay above ten minutes a night this season with the Blue Jackets, Chinakhov did get his request granted when the Blue Jackets sent him to the Penguins on Dec. 29 for Danton Heinen, a 2026 second-round pick, and a 2027 third-round pick.

A New Beginning in Pittsburgh

Dubas’ acquisition of Chinakhov was met with some surprise, given the price he paid for the 25-year-old winger, especially after seeing the struggles he had with the Blue Jackets. But the move has become another by Dubas, the Penguins’ lead man, that has hit and exceeded expectations. Since arriving in Pittsburgh, Chinakhov has seemingly turned things around and has been one of the Penguins’ most consistent players in the 2026 calendar year. Since Jan.1, he is second on the team in points with 19, first in goals (11), and has seen his ice time jump from just over 10 minutes with the Blue Jackets to almost 15 with the Penguins.