Yegor Chinakhov Requests Trade Amid Rift With Blue Jackets Coach
So, big news coming out of Columbus — Yegor Chinakhov, the talented young winger for the Blue Jackets, has officially asked for a trade. And it's not just a rumor anymore — the news broke straight from his agent, Shumi Babaev, on social media. The issue? A falling out with head coach Dean Evason that’s clearly reached a point of no return.
Now, Chinakhov is no fringe player. He was a first-round pick back in 2020, and while his career so far has had its ups and downs — especially with injuries — the potential is still very much there. Just last season, though he was sidelined for a big stretch due to a back injury, he still managed to notch 15 points in 30 games. The year before that, he put up 29 points in 53 games. So you can see the talent — it’s not in question. What is in question is whether Columbus is the right place for him anymore.
Also Read:- Nationwide Post Office Outage Disrupts Services Across the UK
- Nathan Fillion Lights Up Fans with Huge News Ahead ofThe RookieSeason 8
In the statement, Chinakhov said, “I had some misunderstandings with the coach during the season. Now I would be glad to have a trade. I would like to move to a different location.” He also made it clear he’s not looking to return to Russia yet — his eyes are still firmly on continuing his development in the NHL.
General Manager Don Waddell wasn’t exactly caught off guard by the request. He said they’ve had discussions already, and that while he was surprised the agent made it public, the request itself wasn’t new. Waddell’s message? He’ll consider moving Chinakhov — but only for the right price. He’s not just shipping him out because he asked. He’s looking for immediate roster help, not just future picks or prospects.
Chinakhov is still under contract for one more season, earning over $2 million, and is set to become a restricted free agent in 2026. Unless a trade deal materializes, the expectation is that he’ll report to training camp in September. Waddell even said he believes Chinakhov will show up ready to work and compete, as long as he brings the right attitude.
This isn’t the first sign of tension. Back in late 2023, Chinakhov had already expressed frustration about his role, especially being stuck with fourth-line minutes. But at that time, it hadn’t escalated to a formal trade request. Now, with coaching changes, injuries, and inconsistency clouding his career, he seems ready for a fresh start.
And who could blame him? A highly skilled player in his prime who’s struggled to find his place — not entirely due to lack of effort, but arguably due to mismanagement and a lack of fit. Whether another team sees enough value to make a deal happen remains to be seen, but one thing’s certain: Yegor Chinakhov is making it clear that his future in Columbus is far from guaranteed.
Read More:
0 Comments