The writing has been on the wall for Yegor Chinakhov in Columbus for months, but the recent acquisition of Mason Marchment just grabbed a can of spray paint and made it permanent. Chinakhov’s trade request hasn’t vanished; it’s just been waiting for the right catalyst. Now that the Blue Jackets have invested heavy draft capital (a second and fourth-rounder) to bring in Marchment, the math simply doesn’t work for Chinakhov in the top nine anymore.
For fantasy owners and NHL general managers alike, this is the moment to pay attention. We aren’t just talking about a dump-in trade here; we are talking about a 2020 first-round talent who needs a runway. Two teams have emerged as the most logical destinations, and frankly, the fit for both is almost too good to ignore. If you are a fan of the San Jose Sharks or the Buffalo Sabres, here is why you should be clamoring for this deal.
The Case for San Jose: A Low-Risk, High-Reward Gamble
If there is one thing we know about the San Jose Sharks’ current rebuild, it’s that GM Mike Grier isn’t afraid of a reclamation project. The Sharks are in the asset accumulation business, but they also need players who fit the age timeline of Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith.
Pierre LeBrun recently reported that Columbus previously wanted a “player for player” swap. However, the market shifts. Columbus just spent a second-round pick; they need to restock the cupboard. The Sharks possess two second-round picks in the upcoming draft (their own and Colorado’s).
From my perspective, this is a no-brainer for San Jose. Chinakhov has an elite release—one of the heavier wrist shots among young wingers—but he lacks consistency and confidence. San Jose can offer him 16 minutes a night and power-play time with zero pressure to win immediately. It’s the perfect incubator to see if he can pop for 25 goals.
The Buffalo Connection: Jarmo’s unfinished Business
The Buffalo Sabres link is fascinating because it’s personal. Chris Johnston makes a great point: no one knows Chinakhov better than Jarmo Kekäläinen. It was Kekäläinen who shocked the hockey world by drafting Chinakhov 21st overall in 2020 when many didn’t even have him in the first round.
Now running the show in Buffalo, Kekäläinen has a chance to vindicate that pick. The Sabres have plenty of young roster players to make a “hockey trade” work if Columbus still wants immediate help rather than picks.
Personal Insight: I’ve watched Chinakhov closely. His issue isn’t skill; it’s engagement and usage. He disappears for stretches. However, players with his specific attribute—pure goal-scoring velocity—are rarely available for a second-round price tag. If I’m Buffalo, I trust my scouting history. If I’m San Jose, I trust the opportunity. Either way, Chinakhov is too talented to be sitting in the Blue Jackets’ bottom six.
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