Pittsburgh Penguins GM Kyle Dubas looks to build on his track record of cost-effective acquisitions with Yegor Chinakhov

The Pittsburgh Penguins have leaned heavily on Kyle Dubas’ ability to find value, and the latest move fits that pattern. Pittsburgh acquired right winger Yegor Chinakhov from the Columbus Blue Jackets in a trade that cost a second-round pick, a third-round pick, and forward Danton Heinen. It is another calculated swing at a player who has shown clear upside but needed a better situation to unlock it.

This is where Dubas has quietly separated himself. Instead of chasing expensive names, he has consistently targeted players who were undervalued elsewhere and turned them into key players. That approach has helped keep the Penguins competitive, even as the roster gets younger and the future of the core continues to be shaped.

Kyle Dubas hopes his smart, low-risk move with Yegor Chinakhov could pay off for Penguins

Under Dubas, the Penguins have repeatedly bought low and found production. Anthony Mantha arrived with modest numbers in Calgary but has rediscovered his scoring touch in Pittsburgh. Justin Brazeau and Tommy Novak followed a similar path, stepping into larger roles with gaining trust with steady offense and meaningful minutes. These are not accidental success stories; they are part of an intentional roster strategy.

Chinakhov now drops into that same category. His season in Columbus never really got started, partly because of limited ice time and an inconsistent role. He managed just three goals and six points, but playing barely over ten minutes a night rarely helps an offensive winger build rhythm. Pittsburgh sees the version from 2023-24 instead, the one who scored 16 goals in 53 games and looked like a player still climbing.

Financially, the move also fits Pittsburgh’s plan. None of the recent bargain pickups carry restrictive clauses, and the cap hits are manageable. Chinakhov is signed for this season and will be an RFA, giving the Penguins control if he flourishes. If things go well, he becomes part of the longer plan. If not, he remains a movable piece near the NHL trade deadline.

At 24, Chinakhov still has time to prove he belongs in a prominent role, and Dubas believes Pittsburgh is the place for that opportunity. If he joins Mantha, Brazeau, and Novak as another low-risk success, this deal could look like another smart win in a strategy that continues to define the Penguins’ direction.


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