Shockwaves in Columbus spark perfect opportunity for Avalanche to strike bold trade move
Photo credit: Colorado Hockey Now
Turmoil throughout the Columbus Blue Jackets surrounding a rising star forward in Yegor Chinakhov created an ideal window for the Colorado Avalanche to make a daring trade push.
Chinakhov wants out of Columbus, according to a report from Aaron Portzline of The Athletic, and the Avalanche should take a chance on the buy low, high reward forward.
Avalanche reportedly eyeing star forward from Columbus.
Aarif Deen from Colorado Hockey Now writes that according to the report, 24-year-old Chinakhov's agent took to X to announce that a misunderstanding with the Blue Jackets head coach Dean Evason prompted the trade request. Columbus GM Don Waddell told Aaron Portzline he wasn't surprised, adding that Chinakhov didn't respond well to being a healthy scratch following after back injury.
"The Jackets are taking calls to try to trade him, if the return is up to par with his value. Enter the Avalanche. And a long relationship between Chris MacFarland and his former employer." -Deen
Since joining the Avalanche in May 2015, Chris MacFarland has repeatedly take chances on players and coaches from the Blue Jackets organization. While many of those moves involve familiar faces from this time in Columbus, that's not always the case. Some general managers have preferred trading partners, and for MacFarland and the Avs, the Jackets often fit that bill.
In fact, the biggest move the Avalanche have made this offseason was a trade that sent Miles Wood and Charlie Coyle to Columbus, further proof of the strong transactional ties between the two clubs. With that relationship already in motion, this could be the perfect moment for the Avalanche and Blue Jackets to strike another deal.
"Chinakhov is listed at 6'1, 201 lbs, and was drafted No. 21 overall in 2020. He had seven goals and 15 points in 30 games this past season, but that came after a 16-goal, 29-point 2023-24 season in just 53 games. If the Avs can get him without overpaying, the left shot right-winger, who has experience on the power play and a great shot, is a perfect reclamation project oozing with potential to be a useful top-six winger." -Deen
Chinakhov may turn into a guaranteed success, but he very well could, and taking that chance might pay off in a big way for a franchise in need of young, skilled forwards both for the upcoming season in the future.
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 17 | 32 ANSWERS Shockwaves in Columbus spark perfect opportunity for Avalanche to strike bold trade move Should the Avalanche trade for Columbus Blue Jackets star forward Yegor Chinakhov? | ||
| yes | 16 | 50 % |
| no | 16 | 50 % |
| List of polls | ||
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