Yegor Chinakhov, a former first-round choose for the Columbus Blue Jackets, has formally requested a commerce. He has cited misunderstandings with head coach Dean Evason as the rationale behind his choice.
The 24-year-old ahead’s request was confirmed by the workforce on Thursday, following a public assertion from his agent on social media.
Yegor Chinakhov’s profession and damage considerations
Drafted twenty first general in 2020, Yegor Chinakhov has been part of over 4 NHL seasons. He has performed in 175 video games whereas lacking 109 as a result of varied accidents. Final season, a again damage sidelined him for 40 video games, and even after returning on March 4, he was a wholesome scratch for 12 of the ultimate 17 video games. His efficiency final season was modest, with seven objectives, eight assists for 15 factors in 30 video games, and a minus-6 score.
Chinakhov’s damage historical past has been a recurring theme. He has not performed greater than 53 video games in a single season since his rookie yr in 2021-22. Regardless of these setbacks, he has collected 34 objectives and 37 assists in his profession, with a career-high 16 objectives and 13 assists within the 2023-24 season.
A latest process throughout the 4 Nations Face-Off addressed his lingering again points, and he entered the offseason with a clear invoice of well being, based on Blue Jackets normal supervisor Don Waddell.
The assertion by Chinakhov’s agent
Yegor Chinakhov’s commerce request turned public by means of a put up on X by his agent, Shumi Babaev, who quoted the participant immediately:
“I had some misunderstandings with the coach throughout the season. Now I might be glad to have a commerce. I want to transfer to a distinct location. Will I return to Russia? So long as I can play within the NHL, I’ll preserve creating right here.”
Don Waddell’s response
Common supervisor Don Waddell expressed shock at Babaev’s public strategy however was unfazed by the commerce request, noting prior discussions with Chinakhov’s camp.
“I’m stunned (agent Shumi Babaev) went public,” Waddell instructed The Athletic. “However I’m not stunned (in regards to the commerce request) as a result of we’ve got talked about it. He acquired again (from the again damage final season) and didn’t play effectively, and (Chinakhov and Blue Jackets coach Dean Evason) fell out of favour.”
“I instructed (Babaev), he has worth. I’ll discuss to the groups. I’ve talked to groups. However I’m not simply going to commerce him since you mentioned to commerce him,” he added.
He additionally dismissed any added urgency from Babaev’s public put up:
“I ignore it,” Waddell mentioned. “I’ll discuss to groups. I’ll proceed to speak to groups. However him (going public) isn’t going to vary my pondering on it. I’ve to have the appropriate worth.”
Notably, Waddell expects Chinakhov, who’s beneath contract for over $2 million, to attend coaching camp in two months if no commerce is finalized.
Trying forward
The Blue Jackets are reportedly in search of fast roster assist reasonably than future belongings in any potential commerce. For now, Chinakhov’s future stays unsure.
