Yegor Chinakhov is on the move.
TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun reports the Columbus Blue Jackets are sending the 24-year-old forward to the Pittsburgh Penguins.
LeBrun notes that draft picks are headed back as compensation.
Chinakhov has three goals and three assists in 29 games this season.
He had seven goals and 15 points in 30 games with the Blue Jackets last season, a drop-off from finishing with 16 goals and 29 points in 53 games the previous year.
Chinakhov asked to be traded last summer, making his trade request public via a statement released by his agent, Shumi Babaev.
“I had some misunderstandings with the coach [Dean Evason] during the season. Now I would be glad to have a trade. I would like to move to a different location,” Chinakhov said. “Will I return to Russia? As long as I can play in the NHL, I will keep developing here.”
He remains signed through this season at a cap hit of $2.1 million and is scheduled to hit restricted free agency in July.
Chinakhov made his NHL debut with Columbus during the 2021-22 season, posting seven goals and 14 points in 62 games, which remains his career-high for games played in a season.
He has 37 goals and 40 assists in 204 games over five seasons.
A native of Omsk, Chinakhov was originally selected with the 21st overall pick of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft.
More to come.
