On Thursday, the Detroit Red Wings recalled Austin Watson to likely ride in the press box. That's not the most intriguing move in the hockey world, but an expected one after Carter Mazur's injury forced the Wings to roll with another forward from Grand Rapids.
Patrick Kane, Lucas Raymond, and Nate Danielson have also spent time in the trainer's room, so it's no surprise that the Wings may have interest in Yegor Chinakhov, whose time with the Columbus Blue Jackets may be running out.
On Oct. 24, Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic reported "Several teams have recently kicked the tires on Yegor Chinakhov, 24, who still wants out of Columbus, including the Buffalo Sabres, Florida Panthers and Detroit Red Wings. I could see the Flames also inquiring if they haven't already. It would make sense that the Leafs, seeking a forward boost, would have inquired, too."
Yegor Chinakhov could resurrect his career with the Detroit Red Wings
The past four seasons have been tough for Chinakhov, who never found a real role with the Blue Jackets. His best outing came in 2023-24, when he put up 29 points and 16 goals in 53 contests, showing he could develop into at least a half-point-per-game player.
Chinakhov also recorded 15:10 of average total ice time that year, before he topped out at 15:43 in 2024-25. But he saw action in just 30 games, putting up 15 points and seven goals. Respectable numbers overall, and once again an indicator that he's capable of more than just a rotational role with an NHL team.
Here in 2025-26, he's off to a decent start, with two goals and four points in seven contests, despite averaging just 10:19 of ice time. Given his moderate productivity, Chinakhov just needs to land with a team that values his presence. It's not Columbus and, chances are, they're letting an opportunity with a potential top-nine forward slip, and the Red Wings must take advantage.
Yegor Chinakhov could have a versatile role in Detroit
If the Red Wings traded for a player like Chinakhov, don't expect him to be a top-six or even regularly a middle-six forward. Instead, Chinakhov would float between the third and fourth lines as far as 2025-26 goes.
It will be a good audition for Chinakhov, who is in the final year of his contract. Should he play well and be that 15-plus goal scorer, Steve Yzerman wouldn't hesitate to sign him to a bridge contract for between two and three years.
Right now, forwards Patrick Kane, James van Riemsdyk, and Jonatan Berggren are scheduled to be free agents in 2026. If and when that remains the case, a younger, high-potential player like Chinakhov would prove to be a great addition should he play well and sign an extension.
What would the asking price be? The Red Wings should have no problem giving up a third-round pick, and a mid-tier prospect for Chinakhov. He's not one of those players a team can "take a flier" on just yet, but he's also not someone Columbus can demand a first or even a second-rounder for in return, given his diminished role.