Chinakov Extension

The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed their first pending restricted free agent to a new contract extension. Waddell’s first internal stay as President and General Manager is forward Yegor Chinakov to a short term two year deal with $4.20M.

Nice.

Chinakov was a risky first draft selection by Jarmo Kekalainen and the Blue Jackets, but he has settled in with a young Russian trio between Dmitry Voronkov and Kirill Marchenko over the course of the 2023-2024 regular season.

In 52 games this last season, the Omsk native had 16 goals and 13 assists for 29 points.

He had more goals this season than points in a single season his previous two years in the league.

The 21st overall pick of 2020 is in a make it or break it scenario where if his production continues to increase could make him a long term fit, or could disappear like a Nikolai Zherdev or Nikita Filatov in the past.

Good deal for both sides. Lots of work left for Waddell.

Other Happenings

Per Waddell, Merzlikins is not going anywhere. “Nobody wants that contract.”

Montreal is sneaking into the Laine rumors with Seattle and Utah leading.

Derrick Brassard announced his retirement late Sunday evening after 16 seasons and over 1,000 games in the show. About a third of his career was with the Blue Jackets as a first round draft pick before the Marian Gaborik deal. Congratulations to Mr. Brassard on his well earned retirement. The suitcase stays home.

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