Yegor Chinakhov Rumors: 2 Teams Emerge as Fits as Agent Says Trade is Inevitable

0 Sara Smith July 19, 2025

When an agent goes on the record to say there’s “no way” his client can stay with a team, you listen. That’s exactly what’s happening with the latest Yegor Chinakhov rumors, as his agent, Shumi Babaev, has drawn a line in the sand. The relationship between the 24-year-old winger and Columbus Blue Jackets head coach Dean Evason is reportedly so fractured that a trade request has been formally submitted. While the team publicly states the lines of communication are open, my sources suggest the damage is already done. Babaev’s public statements are a clear power play, designed to accelerate the trade process and put pressure on GM Don Waddell.

This isn’t just smoke; it’s a five-alarm fire in Columbus. Even though Chinakhov will reportedly attend training camp, this situation feels untenable long-term. Evason has a reputation as a demanding, hard-nosed coach, and it appears his style has not meshed with the young Russian forward. For a player who potted 16 goals last season and has a lethal shot, the potential is tantalizing. Now, Waddell is in a tough spot. He won’t give Chinakhov away for pennies on the dollar, but with the relationship soured, he’s lost leverage. The clock is ticking, and other GMs are circling.

Analyzing Potential Trade Destinations for Yegor Chinakhov

So, where could he land? Two intriguing Eastern Conference teams have emerged. The Boston Bruins are reportedly sniffing around, and it makes perfect sense. They are perpetually in need of cost-controlled scoring depth, and taking a “smart gamble” on a young player with high upside is exactly their M.O. Chinakhov could slot into their middle-six and provide an immediate boost to their power play.

The other team to watch is the Pittsburgh Penguins. As they continue their re-tool around Sidney Crosby, adding a 24-year-old with Chinakhov’s offensive toolkit is a no-brainer. He fits the timeline of their younger core and could be a long-term piece for Kyle Dubas to build with. For Waddell, the key will be securing a return that addresses a team need—perhaps a young, controllable defenseman or a high-end draft pick. This isn’t a maybe; a trade is coming. It’s just a matter of when and to whom.