Egor Chinakhov is forcing Dan Muse to rethink his strategy

Egor Chinakhov has already given the Penguins more than Muse expected after the Columbus deal.

That is a fun problem to have, because it usually means a player found his feet fast.

The trade itself told you Pittsburgh wanted upside, not safety.

On December 29, the Penguins got Chinakhov from the Blue Jackets for Danton Heinen, a 2026 second-round pick, and a 2027 third-round pick.

As a fan, it feels like one of those rare adds where you notice him every other shift.

Chinakhov is 24, a 2020 first-round pick at 21st overall, and the skill flashes are obvious when he attacks off the wall.

His shot comes off quick, and his skating lets him close on loose pucks before defenders settle.

The production has backed it up right away.

Since joining Pittsburgh, he has three goals and one assist in seven games, including a goal Thursday against Philadelphia, and that is not empty scoring.

Muse has used him in a way that makes sense, quick bursts, north hockey, and enough leash to shoot.

TribLive even noted Pittsburgh has experimented with him on a line featuring Evgeni Malkin, which is a nice shortcut to getting touches in dangerous ice.

The contract piece matters, too, because this is not a pure rental swing.

Spotrac and Puckpedia list Chinakhov at a $2.1 million cap hit, with RFA status after the season, so the Penguins keep some control if it clicks.

Pittsburgh is still living in the Metro traffic jam at 22-14-10, so they needed a player who can change a shift without perfect conditions.

If Chinakhov keeps getting to the inside and not just the perimeter, this could be one of Muse's sneakiest wins behind the bench.

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