Talented Blue Jackets Forward Demands Trade, Canadiens Considered an Intriguing Fit
Photo credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
The Columbus Blue Jackets had an excellent end to the 2024-2025 season, so much so that the Ohio team nearly overtook the Montreal Canadiens.
They really put the pressure on Martin St-Louis's squad for the final playoff spot.
Expectations will be high within the organization for the upcoming campaign, but now one of their players has thrown a wrench into the works.
Yegor Chinakhov requests a trade from the Columbus Blue Jackets: an opportunity for the Montreal Canadiens on offense?
As reported by journalist Aaron Portzline, forward Yegor Chinakhov has indeed requested a trade from the team's general manager, Don Waddell, due to a conflict with head coach Dean Evason.
At least, that's what his agent Shumi Babaev stated during an interview with The Athletic , despite the fact that the 24-year-old player enjoys being in Columbus.
Wow.
"Chinakhov is comfortable with the team and with the city.
But he is not comfortable with this coach.
It's all because of the coach."
- Shumi Babaev
But he is not comfortable with this coach.
It's all because of the coach."
- Shumi Babaev
However, it appears that Don Waddell has stated he would not trade Chinakhov just to accommodate him, but that if he does decide to send him to another NHL team, the offer would have to be acceptable for his services.
It also seems, according to Chinakhov's agent, that communication between his client and the Blue Jackets' coach was strained throughout the season, and when he returned from a long injury, he was left out for almost the entire final month of the campaign.
A change of scenery could therefore benefit the young Russian forward, who recorded 7 goals and 15 points in 30 games in 2024-2025. And given his connection with Ivan Demidov, the Montreal Canadiens are a team to watch in this case.
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