The Pittsburgh Penguins' acquisition of Yegor Chinakhov from the Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday, December 29, 2025, has sparked debate about whether General Manager Kyle Dubas overpaid for the young winger. In exchange for Chinakhov, the Penguins gave up forward Danton Heinen, a 2026 second-round pick, and a 2027 third-round pick.
Chinakhov, a former first-round pick (21st overall in 2020), has had an up-and-down start to his NHL career. While he's shown flashes of offensive potential, he has struggled with consistency and injuries. In 204 career games with the Blue Jackets, the 24-year-old has recorded 37 goals and 40 assists. However, this season has been a disappointment, with just 3 goals and 3 assists in 29 games. He was also a healthy scratch in recent games, and had requested a trade.
Dubas, in an email to local outlets, expressed confidence in Chinakhov's potential to become a top-line winger, citing his consistent play early last season. He also praised Chinakhov's size, speed, ability to get to the net, and his shot. Dubas noted that the Penguins did their homework on Chinakhov's request to be traded. Chinakhov's agent stated that the trade request was due to "misunderstandings with the coach".
Several factors suggest the Penguins may have paid a premium. Chinakhov's relatively low production this season and his trade request could have lowered his value. Giving up a second and third-round pick for a player who hasn't consistently produced at the NHL level is a significant investment, especially for a team needing an influx of young talent. Some analysts suggest that Dubas had to cash in on his stockpile of picks.
However, there are arguments to be made in favor of the trade. The Penguins are looking for wingers who can score, and Chinakhov has shown he can put the puck in the net. In the 2023-24 season, he scored 16 goals in 53 games, which translates to a 25-goal pace over a full 82-game season. Dubas may be betting that a change of scenery and opportunity to play with star players like Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin could unlock Chinakhov's potential. Dubas has a track record of acquiring undervalued players and turning them into key contributors.
The acquisition also keeps two timelines open for Dubas, Chinakhov could contribute immediately and become part of Pittsburgh's next core of young talent. Chinakhov's $2.1 million cap hit is manageable, and he will be a restricted free agent at the end of the season, giving the Penguins control over his future.
Ultimately, the success of this trade will depend on whether Chinakhov can realize his potential in Pittsburgh. If he can become a consistent scorer and contribute to the team's success, the price Dubas paid will be worth it. If not, the Penguins may have given up valuable assets for a player who doesn't live up to expectations.
The Blue Jackets grade is a solid A-. They acquired two valuable assets in return. The Penguins received a B.
