Failed blockbuster transaction exposed amid Yegor Chinakhov trade rumours!

Earlier this week, news emerged that Yegor Chinakhkov, who was Columbus’s first-round pick in 2020 (21st overall), requested a trade from the Blue Jackets. Citing misunderstandings with head coach Dean Evason last season, Chinakhkov is reportedly seeking a fresh start elsewhere. When the news came out, Jackets general manager Don Waddell said it will do so only if it receives an acceptable offer.

However, Chinakhkov was almost traded last month, but the transaction fell through when a better offer was accepted. According to the Fourth Period, the Jackets attempted to acquired defenseman Noah Dobson from the New York Islanders, before they decided to accept the Montreal Canadiens’ offer instead. Dobson landed with the Habs in a sign and trade in exchange for forward Emil Heineman and the No. 16 (Victor Eklund) and 17 (Kashawn Aitcheson) picks in the 2025 NHL Draft. Dobson signed an eight-year, $76 million contract in Montreal.

“ The Blue Jackets tried to include Yegor Chinakhov in a package for defenseman Noah Dobson before the Islanders traded the blue liner to the Canadiens” the Fourth Period reported.

Chinakhkov was not a large part of the Blue Jackets’ season in 2024-25, as a back injury kept him out of the lineup for a total of 39 games. Then, head coach Evason kept him out for more games as a healthy scratch, which ended with Chinakhov only playing 30 games last season, scoring eight goals with seven assists.

Waddell said Chinakhov “couldn’t handle” being healthy-scratched from games and has since been looking for a move. Unfortunately for him, and the Blue Jackets as well, a massive trade with the Islanders fell through and now we have to wait and see if Chinakhov will be moved before the start of the 2025-26 season.