According to NHL insider Pierre LeBrun, “The Blue Jackets are completing a trade involving Igor Chinakov [Yegor Chinakhov]. Columbus gets draft picks back.” The news comes after months of uncertainty surrounding the hapless striker, who had requested a trade earlier this season.
LeBrun later updated the report to note that Chinakhov is headed to the Pittsburgh Penguins. Pittsburgh acquiring Chinakhov feels like GM Kyle Dubas is adding more tradable assets to his NHL trade deadline portfolio. Chinakhov is 24, possesses a legitimate NHL shot and still has upside to take advantage of in a more stable environment.
On Columbus’ part, it looks more like liquidation than strategy. This deal could be a win for Pittsburgh because the player becomes something, or because they can trade him for an upgrade in a few months.
Interestingly enough, it wasn’t that long ago that LeBrun also reported that when teams called earlier this year, I don’t think Columbus just wanted a draft pick for Chinakhov. They wanted a player. But now that they’ve made a second-round pick…on Marchment, maybe they can earn back a second-round pick.
The Blue Jackets were in discussions with NHL teams about a Chinakhov trade, but other clubs were unwilling to make the move if it meant giving up a lot in return. He has three goals and six points in 29 games this season.
More to come…
Next: Recently traded $18 million Winger, had Toronto on its no-trade list
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