Shumi Babaev Organization: Columbus Blue Jacket Forward Yegor Chinakhov: “I had some misunderstandings with the coach during the season. Now I’m so happy to be 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 grow here.”
Aaron Port: Blue Jacket knows Chinakhov wants to trade, and they have trade negotiations with some teams.
GM Don Waddell said they would not receive the best offer they received if they thought it was acceptable. They will only trade him if they think it is an acceptable offer. He is expected to train.
It’s better to rush to sign someone who has a good season and a half!
Athlete Aaron Port: Babaev’s tweet was not news about Blue Jackets, but surprised Waddell.
Wardle told sports. “But (about trade requests) I’m not surprised because we’ve talked about it. He (backed from a back injury last season) and was not doing well, and (Chinakhov and Blue Jackets coach Dean Evason) lost.
“I told (Babayev) that he is valuable. I will talk to the team. I have already talked to the team. But I’m not only going to trade him, because you said you want to trade him.”
During his time wearing his blue jacket, Chinakhov’s injury has been a problem. He missed 109 games in four seasons, with 40 back injuries last year. In four years, he has participated in 175 games.
“I have to have the right value. It depends on how many teams are interested and what teams are willing to pay for. I can ask for what I want, but what is the market? And if the market isn’t good enough, he’ll be a blue jacket.”
He has $2.1 million left.
Yegor Chinakhov requires a transaction. #cbj pic.twitter.com/zt4kykf9lb
– jfresh(@jfreshhockey) July 17, 2025
