One is a young winger looking for a fresh start, while the other is a creative cap-related move that could benefit the franchise in the long term.
Yegor Chinakhov: A Skilled Young Winger Seeking a Fresh Start
The first name on Kingerski’s list is Yegor Chinakhov, the 24-year-old Columbus Blue Jackets winger who recently requested a trade. Injuries and healthy scratches limited Chinakhov to 30 games last season, where he scored eight goals and added seven assists.
Yegor Chinakhov has requested a trade. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/ZT4KYkF9Lb
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) July 17, 2025
Chinakhov’s mix of offensive upside and untapped potential could make him a reclamation project similar to the Penguins’ acquisition of Philip Tomasino last season. The former first-round pick (21st overall in 2020) has 71 points in 175 NHL games, and his elite shot and size (6-foot-1, 201 pounds) could give Pittsburgh’s middle-six forward group a significant boost.
Carey Price’s Contract: A Cap Maneuver with Upside
Kingerski also floated the idea of acquiring the contract of retired goaltender Carey Price from the Montreal Canadiens. With a $10.5 million cap hit but just $2.5 million in actual salary owed after his $5 million bonus is paid on September 1, Price’s contract could provide Montreal with much-needed cap flexibility this season.
Chat I miss Carey Price… real bad pic.twitter.com/SWzHB4IVX0
— rick (@TkaptainRick) July 14, 2025
In return, the Penguins could demand a second-round pick, or more, for taking on the deal. With only a handful of teams able to absorb such a large cap hit, Pittsburgh would be in a strong negotiating position if they pursued this move.
Photo Credit:Â Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images