Michael Augello of The Hockey News and James Nichols of NJ Hockey Now both believe the New Jersey Devils and Buffalo Sabres should make a serious push to acquire the 24-year-old winger.
Nichols sees Chinakhov as a perfect “buy-low” candidate for New Jersey after the team failed to replace Tyler Toffoli’s scoring punch last season. Chinakhov, a former first-round pick, scored 16 goals in just 53 games during the 2023-24 season before injuries and a coaching rift derailed his progress.
Healthy again and on an affordable $2.1 million cap hit, Nichols believes he could thrive alongside Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt in the Devils’ top-six.
Apparently Yegor Chinakhov is upset about playing on the third line? Who would take out of this top 6 to play him instead? #cbjhttps://t.co/8S9gPd743G pic.twitter.com/QzZs48lL4l
With Columbus losing leverage after the public trade request, Nichols suggests a price comparable to Utah’s trade of Matias Maccelli to Toronto (a conditional third-round pick) could land Chinakhov. And if he doesn’t pan out, he’s a restricted free agent with arbitration rights next summer, giving New Jersey options.
Augello argues that the Sabres are still searching for a top-six forward after moving JJ Peterka earlier this offseason. Chinakhov fits the profile: a 6’1”, 201-pound winger with untapped scoring upside. Sabres senior advisor Jarmo Kekalainen, who drafted Chinakhov 21st overall in 2020, also gives Buffalo inside knowledge of the player’s ceiling.
Yegor Chinakhov has requested a trade. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/ZT4KYkF9Lb
Augello notes Columbus GM Don Waddell is in a weakened bargaining position, meaning Buffalo could pursue Chinakhov without sacrificing a roster player. Instead, the Sabres could package a prospect like Isak Rosen or a draft pick to bolster a forward group that needs more offensive punch.
Photo Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
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