Analysts Link Three Teams to Controversial Blue Jackets Forward Yegor Chinakov After His Trade Demand

The Columbus Blue Jackets had a fantastic season in 2024/25 even if they fell short of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and heading into next season, the belief is that they could take another step forward.

Now, they've got a big headache to deal with first, as the team were given a trade request by young winger Yegor Chinakhov in recent times, with the 24-year old citing disagreements with the coach as the reason behind it.

This past season, the young winger played in just 30 games for Columbus, tallying 7 goals and 15 points in this time, and while he's not lived up to the potential he's shown yet at the NHL level, there's still plenty of time for him to grow.

While the team don't have to grant his request, it makes perfect sense if they would do that, and now, The Hockey Writers have linked him to three teams as a trade candidates: the Carolina Hurricanes, Buffalo Sabres and New York Islanders.

These teams make sense for different reasons, as Buffalo and New York could buy low on a reclamation project, while the Hurricanes could land him with the belief that they could turn things around fairly quickly as they look to pursue a Stanley Cup in 2025/26.

Ultimately, Chinakhov's career high of 29 points in 53 games doesn't reflect his talent, as the belief is that he could be a very productive player at the NHL level when given the opportunity, and with this trade request, it's clear he's hoping to get that chance outside of Columbus, so now we'll wait and see how this plays out.