Report: Maple Leafs, Flames among teams interested in Chinakhov
The Toronto Maple Leafs, Detroit Red Wings, Buffalo Sabres, and Florida Panthers are among the teams that have checked in with the Columbus Blue Jackets about forward Yegor Chinakhov, reports TSN's Pierre LeBrun.
The Calgary Flames will inquire as well, LeBrun added.
Chinakhov requested a trade this summer, with his agent citing "misunderstandings" between his client and Blue Jackets head coach Dean Evason. Columbus general manager Don Waddell said at the time that he'd talked to teams but wouldn't trade Chinakhov just for the sake of accommodating the request.
The 24-year-old winger has averaged only 8:41 per game in three appearances this season. He set career highs with 16 goals and 13 assists in 53 games during the 2023-24 campaign. Injuries limited him to 30 contests a year ago, in which he managed 15 points.
The Blue Jackets drafted Chinakhov 21st overall in 2020. He has one year remaining on his contract with a $2.1-million cap hit before he'll become a restricted free agent.