The Toronto Maple Leafs are looking to enhance their forward group and a key opportunity has arisen with Yegor Chinakhov requesting a trade from the Columbus Blue Jackets. Chinakhov expressed dissatisfaction with his coach and indicated a desire to seek opportunities elsewhere in the NHL. The 24-year-old, initially drafted 21st overall in 2020, has shown promise, contributing to a KHL championship but has faced challenges in North America. Nevertheless, there have been improvements in his production over his career.
"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."
Chinakhov, 24, has been a fascinating player since he was first drafted. Former Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen shocked the hockey world when he called the relatively unknown Yegor Chinakhov's name in the first round, 21st overall at the 2020 NHL Draft.
After his draft year, the unknown Russian forward has continued to show real promise. He helped his KHL team, Avangard Omsk capture the 2021 Gagarin cup and then made the NHL the following season.
Despite these struggles, he has shown general improvements in his pace of production over his four year career so far.
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