The Columbus Blue Jackets have been busy of late on the NHL’s trade market, and there’s a few different reports out there stating they are far from finished. The Blue Jackets have disgruntled forward Yegor Chinakhov who has asked for a trade months ago, and now, he’s being linked to a familiar face with the Buffalo Sabres.

According to The Athletic’s Chris Johnston, Chinakhov could be on the way out and look for the Sabres to be heavily involved.

You won’t find anyone in the NHL more familiar with Chinakhov than Jarmo Kekäläinen, the man who drafted him in Columbus. With Kekäläinen now in charge of the Sabres front office, it’s not unreasonable to expect him to lean on some known quantities as he starts to put his own stamp on the Buffalo roster.

The Sabres have the draft capital needed to make a future-focused trade, but they also have young roster players who could be moved in a more traditional hockey deal.

Chinakhov is still viewed by some around the league as a strong candidate to break out if given a fresh start. His strength and speed are certainly attractive attributes. They’re the qualities that attracted him to Kekäläinen in the first place.

Chinakhov, 24, is making $2.1 million AAV this season and is a pending restricted free-agent. Through 29 games this season, he’s scored three goals and added three assists, for six points. The Russian winger is averaging just 10:18 of ice-time and frankly, hasn’t been given a fair shake with the Blue Jackets.

The Sabres have $2.4 million in cap space and are expected to make multiple moves ahead of the deadline, so don’t be surprised if you see a reunion of sorts in Buffalo between a player and their former general manager.  

Photo credit: Philip G. Pavely-Imagn Images