Penguins president of hockey operations Kyle Dubas wasn’t necessarily optimistic about what forward Egor Chinakhov could do with the Penguins after he was acquired in a trade with the Columbus Blue Jackets on Dec. 29.
No, it might be more accurate to suggest Dubas outright expected Chinakhov to do good things.
“We believe Egor has the potential to become a winger who can play anywhere across the top of the lineup,” Dubas wrote in an e-mail with local media outlets the night of the transaction. “That belief comes from the fact that he showed that ability on a consistent basis early last season over a long stretch of games before his season got off track for a variety of reasons. We must create the right environment, and he needs to put in the work with our staff that will allow him to be at his best very consistently.
“We expect him to earn great opportunity and then make the most of it.”
Mission accomplished.
Chinakhov finally met the potential that made him a first-round selection (No. 21 overall) in the 2020 NHL Draft.
After posting a mere six points (three goals, three assists) in 29 games with the Blue Jackets, Chinakhov erupted for 36 points (18 goals, 18 assists) in 43 games with the Penguins.
“It’s a pretty tough start (with the Blue Jackets),” Chinakhov said in Cranberry on Friday during the team’s exit interviews. “But after that, when I got traded, I think I (had) a fresh start. Then, feels better, plays better. I love to be here.”
All parties concerned seem to find the union amicable. Of note, the Penguins seemed to find something with a second-line combination with Chinahkov on the left wing, Tommy Novak at center and Evgeni Malkin working the right wing.
Of note, Chinakhov savored the opportunity to skate with Malkin, a fellow Russian who is one of the greatest players that country has ever produced.
“You never dream about it,” said Chinakhov, approximately 14 years junior to Malkin. “But it’s pretty cool to play with him and see him every day.”
Chinakhov didn’t know Malkin all that well on a personal level before the trade but they quickly gravitated toward one another.
“I (knew) about him a little bit,” Chinakhov said. “But he’s so funny. Every day happy.
“Every day, something new. I learned from him a lot.”
Malkin was sated by the relationship as well.
“I’m happy for this young kid, because we see how he progressed every game after (a) tough start in Columbus,” Malkin said April 4. “And confidence is important. He started playing on the second line, a little bit of power play, score a couple of goals. Now, he plays every game amazing.”
Things weren’t quite as amazing for Chinakhov during the first postseason appearance of his career.
As the Penguins were dispatched by the rival Philadelphia Flyers in a best-of-seven first-round series, 4-2, Chinakhov was a prominent example of the team’s offensive futility as he failed to record a single point in six games.
“It’s so much different game,” Chinakhov said. “But you have to be ready for that. We have to learn from that.”
After parts of five frustrating seasons with the Blue Jackets, Chinakhov, a pending restricted free agent this upcoming offseason, is ready to meet the great expectations he has established as a member of the Penguins.
He is in the final year of a two-year contract with a salary cap hit of $2.1 million.
“I would love to be part of this organization for a long time,” Chinakhov said. “We’ll see but I would love to be here, for sure.”