Pittsburgh Hockey Insider has no direct affiliation to the Pittsburgh Penguins, NHL or NHLPA
The three teams the Penguins beat out for Yegor Chinakhov, revealed by Chris Johnston
Photo credit: Edit from PensBurgh
NHL insider Chris Johnston revealed that there was quite a bit of competition for Yegor Chinakhov, and the Penguins narrowly beat out three other teams.
The Columbus Blue Jackets took their time moving Yegor Chinakhov, waiting for a deal that made sense, but interest in the former first-round pick extended beyond the Pittsburgh Penguins, according to NHL insider Chris Johnston, who ultimately completed the trade.
"There were teams around it. Going way back earlier in the season, the Leafs were one of them. I don't know that they were there later on here. San Jose I think had some interest. Winnipeg. A lot of teams were curious."
- Chris Johnston
- Chris Johnston
Chinakhov, 24, was selected 21st overall in the 2020 NHL Draft. His most productive season in terms of games played came during his rookie year at age 20, when he appeared in 62 contests.
Since then, he struggled to secure a consistent role in Columbus, moving in and out of the lineup as the organization shifted directions. As the Blue Jackets continued to retool, a trade became increasingly inevitable.
The reason the Jets were a logical fit
The Winnipeg Jets stood out as a logical fit. Outside of their top line, Winnipeg has received minimal depth scoring this season, contributing to their position near the bottom of the league offensively.
Several regulars are having down years, and internal solutions have not materialized. Injecting a younger forward like Chinakhov into the lineup could have addressed a clear organizational need.
Yegor Chinakhov would have fit in well with San Jose's youth
The San Jose Sharks also made sense as a potential landing spot. The Sharks remain in a youth-driven phase and have openings throughout their forward group.
Chinakhov could have fit into that long-term picture, especially with players like Igor Chernyshov stepping in and performing well. San Jose's forward depth is thin and likely to be overhauled by next season, making a deal of this nature logical.
Why Toronto was also another possibility
The Toronto Maple Leafs were another possible option. Toronto has explored ways to reshape its roster after an underwhelming season.
With Mitch Marner gone, top-six opportunities exist, and a skilled former first-round pick like Chinakhov may have offered more upside than Max Domi, Bobby McMann, or Matias Maccelli.
What's done is done, and the Penguins came out the victors in this one.
Also read on HockeyUnplugged :
Dan Muse clarifies Evgeni Malkin's status after first team skate
Dan Muse clarifies Evgeni Malkin's status after first team skate
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 2 | 167 ANSWERS The three teams the Penguins beat out for Yegor Chinakhov, revealed by Chris Johnston Are you happy the Penguins ended up being the team that got Yegor Chinakhov? | ||
| Yes | 140 | 83.8 % |
| No | 27 | 16.2 % |
| List of polls | ||