Pittsburgh Penguins acquire former first-round pick from the Columbus Blue Jackets after trade request

The Columbus Blue Jackets have been around trade rumours all season long in the NHL, and after Yegor Chinakhov requested a trade in the summer, many saw it as a matter of when, not if he was dealt by the team.

Then, after his trade request, he started 2025/26 slow, tallying just 3 goals and 6 points in 29 games played, and after the team recently acquired Mason Marchment, they officially traded the 24-year old Chinakhov.

After some speculation, it was confirmed by top NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman that the Blue Jackets dealt him in a trade with a division foe, as he has been acquired by the Pittsburgh Penguins for future draft picks.

Then, Jimmy Murphy added to the reporting, revealing that Danton Heinen, the 30-year old veteran that has appeared in 13 games for the team this season has been sent to Columbus in the return along with draft picks.

According to an update the official return for Chinakhov will be Danton Heinen, a 2026 second-round pick, and a 2027 third-round pick.

On paper, this is a good deal for the Penguins, as they get a young, former first-round pick that has a career high of 16 goals in the NHL, and while he's struggled this season, the hope is that a change of scenery can kick start his career once more.

Only time will tell if this deal works out for Pittsburgh, but given that this is a team that needs young, NHL ready players to help them look toward the future, taking a risk on a 24-year old is certainly a smart play for Kyle Dubas.