Chinakhov's future with the Avalanche may have just been confirmed amid trade rumours
Photo credit: Daily Faceoff
Yegor Chinakhov's future with the Colorado Avalanche may have finally been confirmed, as recent developments shed light on his status amid trade rumours that circulated throughout this past offseason, leaving fans and analysts eager to see what his role will be moving forward.
Chinakhov's name has already been linked to the Avalanche in trade rumours.
Yegor Chinakhov's future with the Avalanche may have likely just been decided.
Brennan McClain from Pro Hockey Rumors writes that two months after requesting a trade from the Columbus Blue Jackets, forward Chinakhov seems to be reconsidering. Mark Scheig of The Hockey Writers reports that following yesterday's practice, Chinakhov said he's now open to staying in Columbus after reaching an understanding with head coach Dean Evason.
While Chinakhov and his representatives haven't officially withdrawn his trade request, his recent comments are a complete reversal from what he stated in mid-July.
"I had some misunderstandings with the coach during the season. Now I would be glad to have a trade. I would like to move to a different location. Will I return to Russia? As long as I can play in the NHL, I will keep developing here." -Chinakhov
Although he didn't provide details about the misunderstandings, Josh Erickson of PHR had this to say...
"But his usage down the stretch likely has a lot to do with it. Chinakhov averaged a career-high 15:43 of ice time per game last season but became a frequent healthy scratch at the tail end of the campaign, sitting out 12 of the Jackets' final 13 games." -Erickson
There's no denying that the former first-round pick has yet to meet expectations in Columbus. Since establishing himself as a regular in the 2021-22 season, Chinakhov has tallied 34 goals and 71 points over 175 games with the Blue Jackets, peaking with a 16-goal, 29-point performance in 2023-24.
"Unless his play on the defensive side of the puck shows improvement, Chinakhov is best utilized in a top-six role, with linemates having the ability to carry a line. Unfortunately for him, after the addition of Charlie Coyle and with Boone Jenner being healthy to start the year on time, it's not clear Chinakhov will have that opportunity out of the gate." -McClain
Cleary, as Chinakhov mentioned yesterday, he and Evason have reached workable compromise. Whether it involves making up for limited even-strength ice time with extra power-play minutes, or Chinakhov adjusting his own expectations, it seems he will begin the season wearing a Blue Jackets uniform.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 24 | 20 ANSWERS Chinakhov's future with the Avalanche may have just been confirmed amid trade rumours Should the Avalanche trade for star Blue Jackets forward Yegor Chinakhov? | ||
| yes | 13 | 65 % |
| no | 7 | 35 % |
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