The Detroit Red Wings are proving that you can win with youth. Axel Sandin-Pellikka and Emmitt Finnie have been huge bright spots on a team that has had many hiccups in recent years. Dylan Larkin is only one player and can only do so much. While Finnie and Sandin-Pellikka have been helpful, it doesn’t hurt to add more valuable players.
Heavy.com has proposed a trade that would see the Red Wings acquire forward Yegor Chinakhov from the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Red Wings Acquire:
- Yegor Chinakhov ($2.1 million)
Blue Jackets Acquire:
- Erik Gustafsson ($2 million)
This deal would give both players a fresh start, while adding something that both teams need.
In this trade proposal, the Red Wings would acquire Chinakhov, 24. The 6-foot-1, 203 lb forward was initially drafted 21st overall by the Blue Jackets in 2020. This season, he has one assist in three games, averaging 8:41 per game.
In exchange, the Blue Jackets add Erik Gustafsson, 33. The 6-foot, 190 lb left-handed defender recorded 18 points in 60 games last year, while averaging 16:19 per game. He has spent the 2025-26 season with the Grand Rapids Griffins, recording two points in three games.
Both teams have ample salary cap space, so retaining salary is not necessary on either side.
Yegor Chinakhov Drawing Interest From At Least 5 Teams
On the morning of October 24th, TSN Insider and The Athletic scribe released a new report on Chinakhov. In the report, he named at least five teams interested in the young forward.
“Several teams have recently kicked the tires on Yegor Chinakhov, 24, who still wants out of Columbus,” LeBrun penned on October 24, 2025. “Including the Buffalo Sabres, Florida Panthers, and Detroit Red Wings. I could see the Flames also inquiring if they haven’t already.”
“It would make sense that the Leafs would have inquired, too.”
It makes sense that Chinakhov would draw interest from the Toronto Maple Leafs, Calgary Flames, Florida Panthers, Buffalo Sabres, and Red Wings. These teams are either contenders seeking affordable offensive players or teams prioritizing deploying youth in positions where they can succeed.
The price for adding Chinakhov is straightforward.
“They’ve told inquiring teams they’re not just looking for draft picks,” LeBrun revealed in the report. “It would be more of a hockey trade if they find a fit.”
Erik Gustafsson Can Help Out the Blue Jackets
Throughout his entire career, Gustafsson has been a consistent powerplay producer. In his 60-point season with the Chicago Blackhawks, he recorded 18 points with the man advantage.
Even with reduced playing time, he can still be effective. Over his last two seasons with the New York Rangers and Red Wings, 18 of his 49 points came on the powerplay. Gustafsson was in a second or third-pairing role on each team.
As of October 24th, the Blue Jackets’ powerplay is converting at 20 percent. They are ranked 20th overall in the NHL.
How Chinakhov is What the Red Wings Need
The Red Wings are off to a good start this season, but one offensive metric should raise eyebrows. They are ranked 20th in the NHL in five-on-five goals with 13 (excluding overtime and empty-netters).
This is where Chinakhov shines.
Chinakhov has had 1.13 goals per 60 minutes (G/60) at even strength since the start of the 2023-24 season. This is among all Blue Jackets forwards who have played at least 10 games with the team during that time.
He would rank second on the Red Wings if he played with them over that time span. Austin Watson is the only player who has scored more per ice time. Below Watson (1.80) are Daniel Sprong (1.10), Robby Fabbri (1.09), Alex DeBrincat (0.95), and Lucas Raymond (0.88).
This seems like a deal that could benefit both sides if the GMs decide it’s a fair price.
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This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
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