Blue Jacket News & Rumors: Chinakhov, 2025 Timeline and More – Hockey Writer – Columbus Blue Jacket

The general idea is that this will be a quiet summer inside the walls of the stage nationwide. But on Thursday, some news broke a small part of the hockey world.

According to Shumi Babaev, agent of Blue Jackets striker Yegor Chinakhov, the player already knew he would open up the trade.

We will try to study this situation from slightly different lenses. We will focus on a problem that appears to be caused by the public disclosure of this trade request. Ultimately, is this just a one-off or a deeper sign?

Setting up the scene

On Thursday morning, Babaev posted a trade request from his clients on X.

Yegor Chinakhov:
I have some misunderstandings with the coach this season. Now, I’m glad to have a deal. I want to move to another location.
Will I go back to Russia? As long as I can play in the NHL, I will continue to develop here @BlueJacketSnhl pic.twitter.com/DQ1QU2OHFB

– Shumi Babaev Agency (@babayevshumi) July 17, 2025

In the statement, Babayev made it clear that as long as he could play the Chinese in the NHL game, he would not return to Russia. Shortly after this post, the agency released more details. This is what is said.

“The player’s opinion is the most important to me in this case. However, we are fully aware that there is already an active contract that if Yegor’s trade request is not fulfilled, he will continue to pay 120% of the responsibility.”

“I always support players, especially in this case – I know Yegor’s desire to trade is not nothing.”

“I have close and productive communication with Columbus management. I appreciate their collaboration and understanding of the “CBJ” leadership, but I fully support my players and will continue to act in his best interest.”

The phrase “I have some misunderstandings with the coach during the season” is a key reason for this requirement. Chinakhov was limited to 30 games in 2024-25 and was not seen during the season when the Blue Jacket attempted to enter the playoffs.

chinakhov found himself in a difficult place. He is recovering from a frustrated back injury. He was able to return to the game after the stadium series due to injury after all of December, January and February.

Obviously, chinakhov recovered speed. He appeared in eight games starting March 4 while recording only one assist. Coach Dean Evason chose to bring him out of the roster, looking for sparks.

After March 21, Chinakhov only had one game after his second game against Ottawa on April 6.

From this perspective, it is not surprising to see frustration boiling. The Chinese think he should play, but lag behind the depth map.

Evanson is consistent in this regard. If the player is not performing well or is unable to get injured and then has to work hard, it is possible that the player will be their turn. Ask people like Jordan Harris and Damon Severson. Once trust is lost or destroyed, it will take time to recover.

Evason chose to play what he thought was his best lineup. It does not include Chinakhov. This kind of thing has been happening in the NHL.

Signs of a bigger problem?

One of the questions that seems to be surfaced is whether there is a trade request from Chinakov, is it a sign of a deeper question? In other words, do we see the trends that players ask about, or do other current players also think they want to go out too?

While there is a pattern of asking players (appearing in Pierre-Luc Dubois and Patrik Laine), this doesn’t seem to be a major situation with a deeper problem. This is a player from Chinakhov, who expresses frustration at the misunderstanding and lack of playing time.

Remember, too, that the Blue Jacket has new leadership behind the front desk and behind the bench. It is no surprise to see this when new friends take charge. They try to get to know their team. Sometimes, they see that the player is in a different situation than his previous leadership.

At the time, Dubois and Laine expressed their intentions, which was a bigger problem. There is a narrative about the team and the players want to leave.

But now? As a collective, this group is as nervous as ever. Chinakhov’s frustration is the result of his personal situation during his time in the NHL.

Chinakhov was injured in parts of four seasons in the NHL. He has not played more than 62 games in a season. That was his rookie season in 2021-22. His seasonal game totals are 62, 30, 53 and 30.

Known injuries suffered by Chinakhov include ankle injuries, lower body injuries, back injuries and various upper body injuries dating back to 2022. Add to that he has three different head coaches in four seasons (Brad Larsen, Pascal, Pascal Vincent and Evason) and you’ll see the picture.

Chinakhov’s road in the NHL has been a bumpy road. But when he is available, he is more than just a serviceable player. That’s why he’s interested. This is also why Blue Jacket needs to be patient with his situation. But to say that this is a sign of a bigger team problem, that doesn’t fit this description.

The road ahead

The best scenario for each participant is simple. chinakhov needs to be prepared to go to the camp. He needs to go to the team he is ready to take action. He also has to win his role and ice time. If the deal is to be passed, he will prove himself on the ice and put himself in his best shape.

For blue jackets, as we said above, they need to be patient. Given the damage history involved, finding the right value in a potential trade can be tricky.

Blue jackets need to put Chinakhov in the best position to succeed. It is possible that he has no deal to camp. His contract does have one season left before becoming a restricted free agent. He has to show everyone that he is healthy and ready to perform.

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If the blue jacket gets the right reward, it is possible to trade before the season. That will be the help of the present rather than the future.

Otherwise, expect Chinakhov to still wear the color of the blue jacket until October. He is actively preparing for the new season and is expected to report to the camp if the deal is not fulfilled.

chinakhov still has a lot of hope. But it’s a long way to get into his career and he has a lot to prove. Given that this is the contract year, there is no shortage of motivation to show that he still has a lot to pay for.

2025-26 Plan Focus

2025-26 The NHL plan is finally released within the league. The Blue Jackets will be open via a pair of road games against the Western Conference. They were the opposition to the Nashville Predators and Minnesota wild opener on October 9 and October 11.

Here are a few highlights of the schedule.

• Their longest home is five games from January 20 to January 28.
• Their longest road trip was November 2, November 11.
• They have 15 back-to-back games, which is not the most in the NHL. The Olympics are an important reason why there are so many calm games.
• When they play four times a time, they play Rangers and flyers three times a time.
• They took two independent trips to California with Los Angeles and Anaheim.
• Their 21st home game of the season is against the Calgary Flames on January 13. Oh my god.
• Their last regular season game of the season is against the Washington Capitals, and if Alex Ovechkin decides it’s his last year, it’s probably Alex Ovechkin’s last regular season game.