Trade Idea Sends Disgruntled Forward Yegor Chinakhov to the Seattle Kraken
The Columbus Blue Jackets came close to making the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2025 but ultimately fell short. Since then, they’ve been focused on improving their roster for the upcoming season. However, the most significant news out of Columbus has been the trade request from Yegor Chinakhov. 
Chinakhov, a former first-round pick, has shown glimpses of potential over the past few seasons, but has struggled to consistently put it all together. At just 24 years old, he does have a 16-goal season under his belt, but it seems that his time in Columbus is nearing its end. Reports suggest that Chinakhov’s agent has stated the forward is unhappy with the coaching staff, particularly with head coach Dean Evason.
Given this situation, the Blue Jackets are expected to explore trade options. A deal involving a young player like Chinakhov can be complicated, but there’s a chance for Columbus to make a more ambitious trade. A proposal from Heavy.com suggests a potential trade between the Blue Jackets and Seattle Kraken.
Proposed Trade:
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Seattle Kraken Acquire: Yegor Chinakhov, Erik Gudbranson, and a 2027 third-round pick from the Blue Jackets
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Columbus Blue Jackets Acquire: Ryker Evans and Jaden Schwartz
Ryker Evans May Face Role Limitation with Kraken
The Kraken would prefer to keep Ryker Evans, as he’s developed into one of their more promising young players. However, several factors make this trade a possibility. Evans, who played his first full season with Seattle in 2024-25, tallied five goals and 25 points in 73 games. Defensively, he made noticeable strides over the course of the season.
Still, Evans is currently a restricted free agent, meaning Seattle holds his rights. With the Kraken signing Ryan Lindgren to a four-year deal, Evans may find himself blocked from a larger role on the left side of their defense. Trading him, while not ideal, could allow Seattle to add a young winger with potential in Chinakhov, who could thrive under their development system.
Chinakhov Could Flourish in Seattle
This wouldn’t be the first time the Kraken have traded for a young winger looking for a fresh start. Their previous success with similar trades adds credibility to this idea. In 2024, Seattle acquired Kaapo Kakko from the New York Rangers. After the trade, Kakko scored 10 goals and 30 points in 49 games with the Kraken. Similarly, in 2022-23, the Kraken claimed winger Eeli Tolvanen off waivers from the Nashville Predators. Despite his struggles with Nashville, Tolvanen has become a key contributor in Seattle, scoring 55 goals and 103 points in 210 games.
Chinakhov, with his potential for a top-six role, could follow a similar trajectory. Though things didn’t work out with the Blue Jackets, a change of scenery in Seattle might be just what he needs to realize his full potential. This proposed trade could benefit both teams, providing Seattle with another promising winger and giving Columbus a solid return for a player looking for a new opportunity.
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