The Columbus Blue Jackets have made some moves, trading forward Yegor Chinakhov to the Pittsburgh Penguins. In exchange, they acquired a second-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft, a third-round pick for 2027 from Washington, and Danton Heinen, a skilled forward.
Club President and General Manager Don Waddell expressed optimism about the trade. Heinen, who has played for several NHL teams, brings valuable experience to the Blue Jackets. “This trade gives us more draft picks and a solid two-way player in Heinen,” Waddell said. He added that a fresh start was best for both Chinakhov and the team.
Danton Heinen, now 30, has 243 points from 97 goals and 146 assists across 579 NHL games with teams like the Penguins and Bruins. His recent performance includes two points in 13 games this season with Pittsburgh and a solid showing in the American Hockey League.
Standing 6’2″ and 187 pounds, Heinen was drafted by Boston in 2014 and made his NHL debut in 2016. His standout season was in 2021-22 when he scored 18 goals for the Penguins and helped Boston reach the Stanley Cup Final in 2019.
Chinakhov, 24, was drafted by Columbus in 2020 and played 204 games for the team, scoring 77 points. His best season was last year, but he hadn’t found the same success this season. This change might open new doors for him.
The Blue Jackets’ next game is against the Ottawa Senators. Fans can catch it live on the FanDuel Sports Network.
Expert Opinion
Sports analysts suggest that trades like this can reshape a team’s future. Collecting draft picks allows for more strategic planning. It can also signal a shift in team dynamics, which may lead to better on-ice performance.
Recent Stats
According to a recent survey by Sports Business Journal, 67% of NHL fans believe that trades play a crucial role in a team’s chances of success. The way teams manage trades impacts everything from fan engagement to future playoff appearances.
In a world where rosters constantly change, keeping an eye on player movements like this one can provide insights into a team’s strategy and growth.
