Penguins Acquire Chinakhov from Blue Jackets

The Pittsburgh Penguins acquired forward Yegor Chinakhov from the Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday in a trade that sends the 24-year-old right winger to Pennsylvania in exchange for draft picks and a depth player. The deal, reported by multiple sources including NHL insiders Pierre LeBrun and Elliotte Friedman, marks the end of a prolonged standoff between Chinakhov and his former team.

Under the terms of the agreement, Pittsburgh receives Chinakhov, a 2020 first-round draft pick selected 21st overall by Columbus. In return, the Blue Jackets gain a second-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, originally belonging to the St. Louis Blues, along with a third-round selection in 2027 from the Washington Capitals. Columbus also receives forward Danton Heinen, who was immediately assigned to their American Hockey League affiliate, the Cleveland Monsters.

Chinakhov, who joined the Blue Jackets ahead of the 2021-22 season after playing in Russia's Kontinental Hockey League, appeared in 204 regular-season games with the club over four years. He recorded 37 goals and 77 points, including a career-best 16 goals and 29 points in 53 games during the 2023-24 season. This year, however, his...