Vancouver Canucks Acquire New Center Target After Former First-Rounder Requests Trade from Blue Jackets
The Vancouver Canucks could have a new target this summer after a former first round pick has officially requested a trade from the Columbus Blue Jackets.
As the offseason rolls along, the Vancouver Canucks don't appear that they're going to be done adding to their roster anytime soon, with multiple reports suggesting that Patrik Allvin is keeping his eye on both the free agent and trade markets in the weeks ahead.
NHL insider Frank Seravalli said recently on Bleacher Report that the Vancouver Canucks are still in the mix for a top-six forward this summer, which is a bit surprising when considering they added Evander Kane at the end of June.
While he may not be a top-six forward right now, it appears that a former first round pick who is currently a member of the Columbus Blue Jackets, has requested a trade this summer.
Former first round pick officially requests trade from the Columbus Blue Jackets
In a statement put out through his agent's social media account on Thursday, Columbus Blue Jackets forward Yegor Chinahkov revealed that he has requested a trade and would like to be moved by the club at some point in the near future.
"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 said through his agent's X account.
Shortly after that came out, Aaron Portzline of The Athletic shared on social media that the Columbus Blue Jackets are aware that Chinahkov has requested a trade and that they will move him if they get an offer they like and the club is expecting him to be at training camp in a couple of months.
"#CBJ aware Yegor Chinakhov wants to be traded - and they've had trade talks - but GM Don Waddell said he's not going to simply accept the best offer to appease Chinakhov. Will only move him if he gets an acceptable offer.
Expectation is he'll be at training camp." Portzline said on X.
Expectation is he'll be at training camp." Portzline said on X.
The main reason for Chinahkov's trade request reportedly has to do with the fact that he was unhappy after Head Coach Dean Evason decided to make him a healthy scratch shortly after returning from a back injury that kept him out for 39 games.
Chinahkov, a native of Omsk, Russia, has one year remaining on his contract with a cap hit of $2.1 million US and is set to become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights next summer.
The 24-year-old registered just 15 points (seven goals, eight assists) in 30 games this season and with a fresh start elsewhere, possibly with the Vancouver Canucks, he could unlock his full potential and become a consistent 40-50 point player on a yearly basis.
Previously on Vancouver Hockey Daily
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 17 | 2937 ANSWERS Vancouver Canucks Acquire New Center Target After Former First-Rounder Requests Trade from Blue Jackets Do you think the Vancouver Canucks should try to acquire Yegor Chinahkov? | ||
| Yes | 1315 | 44.8 % |
| No | 1622 | 55.2 % |
| List of polls | ||