The Columbus Blue Jackets have traded their 2021 first-round pick, forward Yegor Chinakhov, to the Pittsburgh Penguins in exchange for Danton Heinen and a couple of draft picks. The picks include a 2026 second rounder, that originally belonged to St. Louis and a 2027 third-round pick that previously was owned by Washington. Moreover, Chinakhov, the former 21st overall pick in 2021, is a left-handed winger. He’s struggled to find consistency in Columbus, often going through hot and cold streaks. His name has been in trade rumours for at least half a year. Now, he has finally gotten his wish with his move to the Penguins. Heinen is a depth player, someone that Columbus can use on the roster, but doesn’t come with big expectations.
Trade details:
To #LetsGoPens:
F Yegor ChinakhovTo #CBJ:
2026 STL 2nd Rd Pick
2027 WSH 3rd Rd Pick
F Danton Heinen— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) December 29, 2025
Pittsburgh Acquires a Young, NHL-Ready Player
General Manager Kyle Dubas’ biggest focus over the last two years has been acquiring draft picks and players in their early-mid 20s who are capable of playing in the NHL. Dubas made a similar move for former first-round pick Phillip Tomasino last season. In trading for Chinakhov, the Penguins hope the skilled forward can translate his abilities into consistent production, likely in a middle-six role. Chinakhov has scored just three goals and three assists for six points in 29 games this season. His career high came in the 2023-24 season, where he scored 16 goals and 29 points in 53 games.
Despite giving up these picks, Pittsburgh still possesses many draft assets. In addition, with multiple picks in the first three rounds of the next three NHL drafts, Kyle Dubas has ensured his team has more than enough ammunition to both make picks and acquire players they like. In a similar vein, top-six forwards Rickard Rakell and Bryan Rust, as well as Anthony Mantha, are all players who are likely up for grabs as the Penguins continue to plummet. As such, expect Chinakhov to get ample playing time next to players like Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin this season.
The Blue Jackets Finally Move a Disgruntled Forward
Yegor Chinakhov has been unhappy in Columbus for a while now. Once looked at as a building block for the team’s future, Chinakhov saw his production and place in the lineup fall year over year. Acquiring Heinen, the Blue Jackets load up for a retool. As their young core is struggling to break through to the playoffs, maybe this shakeup will help. With a 16-15-6 record, Columbus sits dead last in the East. They’ll be looking to replace Chinakhov with further help upfront, an area that their acquisition of Mason Marchment has begun to help with.
Main Photo: Russell LaBounty-Imagn Images