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Penguins debut new lines with recent addition Yegor Chinakhov in a key role


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Jack Sutherland
January 1, 2026  (7:01 PM)
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Penguins' Yegor Chinakhov in practice
Photo credit: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The Pittsburgh Penguins are debuting new line combinations featuring the newly acquired Yegor Chinakhov, who was acquired earlier this week from the Columbus Blue Jackets.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have won two straight games, 5-1 over the Carolina Hurricanes and 7-3 over the Chicago Blackhawks, after having lost nine of 10.
They also recently acquired forward Yegor Chinakhov from the divisional foe Columbus Blue Jackets for Danton Heinen as well as a second round pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft and a third round pick in the 2027 NHL Entry Draft.
Chinakhov wasn't able to play for the Penguins in their win over the Hurricanes, but he will be in the lineup for tonight's game against the Detroit Red Wings at home.
Per Penguins analyst Seth Rorabaugh, Chinakhov will play on the team's third line alongside Rutger McGroarty and Ben Kindel.
Rickard Rakell - Sidney Crosby - Bryan Rust
Anthony Mantha - Thomas Novak - Justin Brazeau
Rutger McGroarty - Ben Kindel - Yegor Chinakhov
Connor Dewar - Blake Lizotte - Noel Acciari

Parker Wotherspoon - Erik Karlsson
Brett Kulak - Kris Letang
Ryan Shea - John St. Ivany

Yegor Chinakhov Was Acquired From The Columbus Blue Jackets For Danton Heinen

In return for Chinakhov, the Penguins sent Danton Heinen and two draft picks back to the Blue Jackets.
Heinen was originally taken with the 116th overall pick in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft by the Boston Bruins, and has played for multiple teams in his NHL career, including the Anaheim Ducks and Vancouver Canucks.
Heinen was in his second tenure with the Penguins, and had two points (1G, 1A) in 15 games this year before being traded to the Blue Jackets.
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Penguins debut new lines with recent addition Yegor Chinakhov in a key role

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