Blue Jackets Winger Chinakhov Demands Trade Amidst Injury Woes and Coaching Friction

Agent Publicly Confirms Request, GM Acknowledges Talks

Yegor Chinakhov, a highly touted 2020 first-round draft choice, has officially requested a trade from the Columbus Blue Jackets, the team confirmed Thursday. This development surfaced publicly following a social media announcement from Chinakhov’s agent.

Agent’s Statement Sparks Trade Speculation

In a post on X, agent **Shumi Babaev** shared what appeared to be a direct quote from his client, stating, “I had some misunderstandings with the coach during the season. Now I would be glad to have a trade. I would like to move to a different location. Will I return to Russia? As long as I can play in the NHL, I will keep developing here.”

Yegor Chinakhov:
I had some misunderstandings with the coach during the season. Now I would be glad to have a trade. I would like to move to a different location.
Will I return to Russia? As long as I can play in the NHL, I will keep developing here @BlueJacketsNHL pic.twitter.com/DQ1qU2oHFb

— Shumi Babaev Agency (@BabayevShumi) July 17, 2025

GM Waddell Not Surprised by Request

General Manager **Don Waddell** confirmed he was aware of the trade request, though he expressed surprise at the agent’s decision to go public. “I’m surprised (agent Shumi Babaev) went public,” Waddell told *The Athletic*. “But I’m not surprised (about the trade request) because we’ve talked about it. He got back (from the back injury last season) and didn’t play well, and (Chinakhov and Blue Jackets coach Dean Evason) fell out of favor.”

**Waddell** added that he has been in discussions with other teams regarding **Chinakhov**. “I told (Babaev), he has value. I will talk to teams. I have talked to teams. But I’m not just going to trade him because you said to trade him.”

Chinakhov Expresses Desire for New Environment

The trade request appears to stem from accumulated frustrations and coaching disagreements, as suggested by an interview **Chinakhov** gave to Russian sports outlet Sport-Express. In the translated exchange, **Chinakhov** responded to a question about accepting a trade with, “I will be even happy, I guess.” When asked if it was due to unsuccessful periods and misunderstandings with the head coach, **Chinakhov** confirmed, “All together, in total, yes. I want to change my location.”

Injury History and Performance Concerns

**Chinakhov** has appeared in 175 NHL games over his four seasons, missing 109 due to injuries. A significant back injury sidelined him for 40 games last season. Upon his return on March 4, he was a healthy scratch in 12 of the final 17 contests. He concluded the season with 7 goals, 8 assists, and 15 points in 30 games.

“When he came back, he was not the Chinakhov we were hoping he was, and he got healthy scratched at the end (of the season),” **Waddell** explained. “That’s what happens with guys. He couldn’t handle that.”

Trade Market and Future Outlook

**Waddell** stated that the public announcement does not alter his approach to finding a trade for **Chinakhov**, emphasizing that a deal hinges on receiving adequate value. “I ignore it,” **Waddell** said of the social media post. “I’ll talk to teams. I’ll continue to talk to teams. But him (going public) isn’t going to change my thinking on it.”

He stressed the importance of the market dictating any potential transaction. “I have to have the right value. It depends on how many teams are interested and what teams are willing to pay. I can ask for whatever I want, but what’s the market? And if the market’s not good enough, he’ll be a Blue Jacket.”

Despite the trade request, **Waddell** expects **Chinakhov** to report for training camp in two months, fully recovered from his back injury after a procedure during the offseason. As of July 2025, NHL forward salaries in the $2 million range can vary significantly based on team performance and contract length, with some players at that salary level having a strong track record of production, while others struggle to meet expectations.

Waddell** anticipates **Chinakhov** will be present for camp. “One hundred percent he’ll be (at camp),” he confirmed, noting the player’s contract status. “He’s under contract, making (over) $2 million.” He also reflected on past situations, stating, “I’ve been through this before. If he comes back and says, ‘My agent tried to find me a different place, but I’m here and I’m going to play as hard as I can.’ … I’ve seen it a number of times, and usually it’s not an issue if the player shows up with the right attitude.”