Pittsburgh Hockey Insider has no direct affiliation to the Pittsburgh Penguins, NHL or NHLPA

After daughter's birth, Egor Chinakhov returns, available vs New Jersey Devils


PUBLICATION
Daniel Lucente
February 26, 2026  (1:17 PM)
SHARE THIS STORY

Pittsburgh Penguins right wing Egor Chinakhov (59) moves the puck against New York Rangers defenseman Braden Schneider (4) during the second period at PPG Paints Arena.
Photo credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Egor Chinakhov is available Thursday, and the Pittsburgh Penguins needed that shot of life before puck drop vs the New Jersey Devils.

He missed Wednesday's practice for the best reason on earth, his wife gave birth to their first child, a daughter. The club says he's back in the mix tonight.
That matters because the Penguins are walking into a heavy stretch with no room for dead legs. They're 29-15-12 right now, sitting second in the Metro.
Chinakhov hasn't had a quiet season, either. He's sitting on 11-7-18 in 47 games split between Columbus and Pittsburgh in 2025-26.
That's not superstar heat, but it's real middle-six offense, and it helps the man advantage breathe.
Here's the original post that kicked this update around.
"Egor Chinakhov is available tonight. He did not practice yesterday as he attended to his wife, who gave birth to a daughter."

- Dan Muse
Also, yes, Arturs Silovs is on the hill tonight. Dan Muse confirmed it as the Pens come out of the Olympic break.
Silovs starting is fine news, but the Chinakhov part hits different. A player leaving for family, then sprinting right back, always lands in the room.

Egor Chinakhov gives the Pittsburgh Penguins needed swagger

Fans can be cynical, but this is the kind of human moment that pulls a team together fast.
On the ice, Chinakhov slots into a spot that can drive play, not just survive shifts.
The Penguins' top-six needs that shot threat, especially with the schedule about to get ugly.
If Chinakhov feels even half a step lighter from the life win, that can turn into a goal in a hurry.
This one is simple, enjoy the win at home, all while earning two points.
POLL
FEVRIER 26|111 ANSWERS
After daughter's birth, Egor Chinakhov returns, available vs New Jersey Devils

Should Egor Chinakhov stay locked into the Penguins top-six now?

Yes10897.3 %
No32.7 %
List of polls

HOCKEYUNPLUGGED
COPYRIGHT @2026 - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
TERMS OF SERVICE - PRIVACY POLICY - COOKIE POLICY
RSS FEED - SITEMAP - ROBOTS.TXT