When the Pittsburgh Penguins traded for Egor Chinakhov, the move felt like a calculated bet on upside. Just a few weeks later, it already looks like a win.
Chinakhov hasn’t just fit in. He’s made an impact, and he’s done it fast.
A Fast Start in Black and Gold
Since arriving in Pittsburgh, Chinakhov has played 12 games. The numbers jump off the page:
- 12 games
- 5 goals
- 6 points
- +5 rating
That production puts him on a 34-goal pace over an 82-game season, and it’s coming without being force-fed minutes or sheltered usage. He’s scoring at even strength, creating off the rush, and finishing chances that the Penguins badly needed someone to finish.
Two goals in two nights underscored what fans are already seeing. His shot is quick and deceptive, and he doesn’t need much space to get it off.
More Than Just a Shooter
What’s made Chinakhov especially valuable is that he hasn’t been a one-dimensional addition. While he was known primarily for his offense in Columbus, his play away from the puck has stood out in Pittsburgh.
General manager Kyle Dubas emphasized that exact point after the trade. The Penguins saw a player with speed, offensive ability, and a strong defensive foundation. Early returns back that up. Chinakhov tracks back hard, covers for teammates, and hasn’t looked out of place in responsible minutes.
That matters on a Penguins team that still expects structure and accountability.
Filling a Critical Age and Skill Gap
At 24 years old, Chinakhov also fills something Pittsburgh has been missing. He’s young enough to grow, but old enough to contribute right now.
Dubas has talked openly about the importance of players in that mid-20s range. Chinakhov fits squarely in that window. He’s not a long-term project, and he’s not a short-term stopgap. He’s someone who can grow into a core role while helping the team win today.
That balance is hard to find, especially in an in-division trade.
Teammates Are Taking Notice
The reaction inside the room has been telling. After a recent win, Bryan Rust summed it up simply, saying everyone wishes they had Chinakhov’s shot.
That kind of comment doesn’t come lightly in a locker room full of elite scorers. It reflects respect, and it reflects how quickly Chinakhov has earned trust.
A Trade That’s Aging Well Already
The Penguins sent out Danton Heinen along with future draft picks to get Chinakhov. Less than a month in, the return is clear. Pittsburgh added speed, finishing, and a player who looks hungry to prove he belongs in a bigger role.
It’s early, and no one is crowning anything yet. But if Chinakhov continues at anything close to this pace, the Penguins didn’t just make a smart trade. They may have found a key piece for both the present and the near future.
Right now, it’s hard not to be excited about what he’s becoming in Pittsburgh.
