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Yegor Chinakhov speaks for the first time as a member of the Pittsburgh Penguins
Photo credit: First Ohio Battery
New Pittsburgh Penguins forward Yegor Chinakhov, who was recently acquired in a trade with the Columbus Blue Jackets, has spoken for the first time since the deal was made.
Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas added depth to the roster by acquiring forward Yegor Chinakhov from the divisional foe Columbus Blue Jackets earlier in the week.
Even though Chinakhov wasn't able to play in Pittsburgh's most recent game, a 5-1 win over the Eastern Conference-leading Carolina Hurricanes, he was able to meet his new teammates and start the process of getting acclimated to his new surroundings.
Now, he's breaking his silence for the first time since being acquired in the trade and said that he's ready for a new chapter in his career.
I'm so excited. I watched the last game. They played pretty good, didn't they? I just want to help them win the games. -Yegor Chinakhov
Penguins coach Dan Muse talked about Chinakhov's skill set and said he thinks that it will fit in nicely with their own system based on how he played with the Blue Jackets.
Real high skillset, really good shot, quick release. You could even see that there in the pregame skate today. He really gets it off when he gets a little time and space. He doesn't need much time and space, but if he gets into those areas, really dangerous shot. He can play with pace, play at both ends of the ice. -Dan Muse
So far this year, Chinakhov has six points (3G, 3A) in 29 games.
Yegor Chinakhov Was Acquired By The Penguins From The Columbus Blue Jackets
Taken with the 21st overall pick by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, Chinakhov would play the first several years of his NHL career in a Blue Jackets sweater.
Before that, he played for several teams at various levels in his native Russia, including the KHL's Avangard Omsk.
In his NHL career, he has 77 points (37G, 40A) in 204 games played.
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 1 | 139 ANSWERS Yegor Chinakhov speaks for the first time as a member of the Pittsburgh Penguins Was acquiring Yegor Chinakhov from the Blue Jackets a wise trade for the Penguins? | ||
| Yes | 119 | 85.6 % |
| No | 20 | 14.4 % |
| List of polls | ||