The Colorado Avalanche's 2025 free agency has been relatively quiet. Outside of re-signing some pending unrestricted and restricted free agents, the only actual free agent signing was Brent Burns. The Avalanche still has over $4 million in cap space to use. If the Avalanche want to make a big splash this summer, then look no further than Columbus Blue Jackets Yegor Chinakhov.
Last week, his agent tweeted that his client would like a fresh start somewhere else. Stating that the 21st pick in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft has had some misunderstandings with the coach and staff. Even doubling down in an interview, stating how his clients' best intentions are to be moved.
Columbus’ GM, Don Waddell, told Portzline that he wasn’t surprised by the request, and that Chinakhov didn’t take well to being healthy scratched after not playing well following a back injury. Chinakhov has dealt with injuries throughout his short NHL career; however, he exhibits many qualities that could help the Avalanche as an “overager” prospect who has yet to truly break out.
Chinakhov is listed at 6-foot-1, 201 lbs. He had seven goals and 15 points in 30 games this past season, but that came after a 16-goal, 29-point 2023-24 season in just 53 games. At 24 years old, this can help the Avalanche as a player who can contribute now, rather than trading for a 20-year-old prospect who is unhappy with his playing time and needs more time to develop. If there was a team that the Columbus Blue Jackets could feel “comfy” enough to deal with, look no further than the Avalanche and their recent trade that saw Miles Wood and Charlie Coyle be moved.
What Chinakhov Can Bring To The Lineup
Using the 2023-24 season as a baseline dataset, since it provided a larger sample than the previous season, let's examine Chinakhov's strengths he brings to a team. The biggest highlight is Chinakhov is a high-end skater, as his top skating speed ranked in the 94th percentile. This is an already fast team up and down the lineup, and it showed this past season, especially with the addition of Martin Necas.
Last season the Avalanche were in the 99th percentile of 18-20, 20-22, 22+ bursts and Top Speed (Mph).
Per NHL Edge: Nathan MacKinnon led all forwards with the most 20 mph+ bursts (547) and 22 mph+ bursts (83). Necas finished second in 22 mph+ bursts (47) and fifth in 20 mph+ bursts (370). Cale Makar led all defenseman in 20 mph+ bursts (206) and 22 mph+ bursts (27).
Chinakhov possesses underrated shot , as his top shot speed ranked in the 97th percentile during the 2023-24 season (per NHL Edge). His goal-scoring rates over the past two seasons indicate significant breakout potential. If he can maintain his health, and if paired with the proper playmaker, it could set him up for the best position in his career so far.
Where Would Chinakhov Fit In The Lineup?
This is the biggest question if the Avalanche were to acquire him, and a significant one to say the least if they are considering doing so. The top six is currently the best it has been since the 2021-22 season, so moving someone out of that lineup would be a significant move.
In the event of an injury, he could take on the position for the time being, and, unfortunately, injuries can happen, allowing him to make the most of an unfortunate situation. However, this team currently faces some significant questions that must be addressed soon, especially for the upcoming seasons. Though they could be addressed by considering Chinakhov’s play if they do acquire him.
Martin Necas remains unsigned, a situation that has been a significant talking point throughout the summer. Artturi Lehkonen has two years remaining on his contract and will be 32 years old when it expires. Gabriel Landeskog, despite appearing strong in last season's playoffs, will be returning for his first full season after injury. It's uncertain how this will impact his physical condition, given his age of 32 and the three more seasons remaining on his contract after this upcoming season. Valeri Nichushkin is 30 and has four more years remaining on his contract as well.
If the Avalanche did acquire him, he could be that next key piece in the coming seasons, being the next man up in the top-six as current players slowly fill out a middle/bottom-six role. Getting young, fresh legs up in the top-six to lead the offense while taking pressure off the aging veterans.
What Could The Price Be To Get Chinakhov?
With a cap hit of $2.1 million and being an arbitration-eligible RFA next summer, what might the Blue Jackets ask for Chinakhov? More prospects? Picks? Depth NHLers? Depending on what it is, the Avalanche could penny up the asking price.
The Avalanche don’t have a first, second, or third-round pick this upcoming season, but they do have an extra fourth-round pick, two extra fifth-round picks, and two extra seventh-round picks. They don’t have a 2026 third-round pick, but they do have all of their original picks, plus an additional second-round pick from the Charlie Coyle trade and an extra fifth-round pick from the Mackenzie Blackwood trade.
At the end of the day, if the Avalanche do end up making a deal, it all comes down to what the cost looks like. He might or might not be a success story at the end of the day, just another trade that just didn’t pan out well for the team. Although he could also be a key piece that helps push the team into a better position, maybe not now, but down the road. A key young player who helps take a larger step each season to pivot the team's path as this team's core begins to age and take a step back.
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