July 17, 2025 | 12:02pm ET
TheFourthPeriod.com

CHINAKHOV REQUESTS TRADE, COLUMBUS EXPLORING MARKET

Yegor Chinakhov, forward

Blue Jackets forward Yegor Chinakhov has requested to be traded, and Columbus GM Don Waddell is trying to accommodate, but only if a deal improves his club.

Through his agent, Shumi Babaev, Chinakhov relayed that he would “like to move to a different location” citing “misunderstandings with the coach during the season.”

Drafted 21st overall by the Blue Jackets in 2020, Chinakhov posted seven goals and eight assists for 15 points in 30 games with the Blue Jackets this past season.

The Blue Jackets tried to include Chinakhov in a package for defenceman Noah Dobson before the New York Islanders traded the blueliner to the Montreal Canadiens.

Waddell spoke with long-time Blue Jackets beat reporter Aaron Portzline of The Athletic in response to the now-public trade request and indicated that he has been trying to find him a new home.

“I’m surprised (Babaev) went public,” Waddell told The Athletic. “But I’m not surprised (about the trade request) because we’ve talked about it. He got back (from the back injury last season) and didn’t play well, and (Chinakhov and Blue Jackets coach Dean Evason) fell out of favor.

“I told (Babaev), he has value. I will talk to teams. I have talked to teams. But I’m not just going to trade him because you said to trade him.”

Waddell added that going public “isn’t going to change my thinking on it,” and noted that he will continue to have trade discussions with teams.

Chinakhov, 24, is in the final year of a two-year, $2.4 million contract.

The Blue Jackets have over $16.3 million in salary cap space and have been looking to upgrade their roster for the upcoming season.