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NHL Rumours: Update on Columbus Blue Jackets Forward

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It’s time for some more NHL rumours. We’re nearing November, but the hot stove talk is still going. Teams are always considering changes to their roster. General managers are always on the lookout to make adjustments to their lineups. We could also see teams trying to accommodate players who are seeking a change of location.

One team that might be making a move is the Columbus Blue Jackets. This edition of NHL rumours deals with a young forward who could be moved.

All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.

NHL Rumours

Update on Trade Request for Columbus Blue Jackets Forward

Rumour: TSN’s Pierre LeBrun was on a recent edition of Insider Trading, and he offered an update on forward Yegor Chinakhov, who made a trade request in the summer. That trade demand has not been rescinded.

Analysis: The Blue Jackets forward was a healthy scratch over Columbus’ stretch drive. He’s only appeared in three games and has one assist so far. Some of this stems from  “misunderstandings” with head coach Dean Evason.

His ice time is just a paltry average of eight minutes, 41 seconds per game. Chinakhov has played all of his games on the fourth line despite having a 16-goal campaign in 2023-24.

The future of the 24-year-old Russian has been in question since the end of the 2024-25 campaign. We discussed in a previous edition of NHL rumours that there was hope that Chinakhov would withdraw his trade request, but that hasn’t happened.

LeBrun added that several teams have checked in on the young Russian. The insider added that the Toronto Maple Leafs, Calgary Flames, Detroit Red Wings, Buffalo Sabres, and Florida Panthers were named as possible destinations. All of these clubs would likely give Chinakhov a decent shot at being a roster contributor.

The young forward carries a salary cap hit of $2.1 million, which wouldn’t be much of a hassle for suitors to fit him under the cap. However, Columbus won’t just giving away a younger player with some upside.

What It Means

Toronto is always on the hunt for low-cost depth forwards, and so is Florida. Buffalo and Calgary are hoping to get an infusion of young talent that will likely get plenty of ice time. Detroit is also trying to parlay its fast start into adding more talented forwards.

LeBrun stated that Blue Jackets General Manager Don Waddell just doesn’t want to dump a player because he asked for a trade. Columbus wants to make a hockey trade that will benefit the team.

The Blue Jackets do have plenty of room under the salary cap at over $15.5 million. However, Waddell wants to play it smart and get good value for Chinakhov. LeBrun also mentioned that Columbus would rather get a player back instead of draft picks or prospects.

One other thing about Chinakhov is that he’s a restricted free agent at the end of the season. One wonders on what Waddell will do if a deal does not materialize. However, there is plenty of time between now and the March 26, 2026 trade deadline.

Main photo by: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

The post NHL Rumours: Update on Columbus Blue Jackets Forward appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.