The Pittsburgh Penguins have acquired forward Yegor Chinakhov from the Columbus Blue Jackets in exchange for forward Danton Heinen, the St. Louis Blues' 2026 second-round draft pick, and the Washington Capitals' 2027 third-round draft pick. The move, announced on Monday, December 29, 2025, sees Pittsburgh take a chance on the former first-round pick who had requested a change of scenery.

Chinakhov, 24, has spent his entire NHL career with the Blue Jackets, amassing 37 goals, 40 assists, and 77 points in 204 games. This season, however, has seen a dip in production with just 3 goals and 3 assists in 29 games. Selected 21st overall in the 2020 NHL Draft, Chinakhov struggled to consistently find his place in Columbus, leading to his trade request. Prior to the trade, Chinakhov was a healthy scratch in the Blue Jackets' past two games.

In return for Chinakhov, the Blue Jackets receive a depth player in Danton Heinen and additional draft capital. Heinen, 30, has recorded one goal and one assist in 13 games for the Penguins this season. Blue Jackets General Manager Don Waddell stated the trade provides his team with additional draft capital and a "good two-way player in Danton Heinen". Waddell also noted that a change of scenery would be beneficial for both Chinakhov and the Blue Jackets.

The Penguins, currently sitting just outside of a playoff spot, are hoping Chinakhov can provide a boost to their middle-six forward group. Kyle Dubas, President of Hockey Operations and General Manager, has focused on acquiring players in their early-to-mid 20s who are capable of playing in the NHL. With 34 draft picks over the next four NHL drafts, including 19 selections in the first three rounds, Dubas has positioned the Penguins to be active in player acquisitions.

Chinakhov is in the final year of his two-year, $4.2 million contract and will be a restricted free agent at the end of the season. He has also played 11 AHL games with the Cleveland Monsters, where he tallied 7 goals, 6 assists, and 13 points. Before coming to North America, Chinakhov played in the KHL, earning the league's rookie of the year award in 2019-20.

This trade marks another move by the Blue Jackets to reshape their roster, as they acquired Mason Marchment on December 20. For the Penguins, it's an opportunity to tap into the potential of a former first-round pick and add scoring depth as they push for a playoff berth. The Penguins will next play the Carolina Hurricanes at home on Tuesday.