The Vancouver Canucks‘ start to the 2025-26 season has not been ideal. At the time of this writing, the Pacific Division club sports a 5-6-0 record and is sixth in the Pacific Division standings.
Unfortunately for the Canucks, their struggles are only continuing as their season carries on. The Canucks are cold right now, as they have lost four out of their last five games. This includes them falling to the New York Rangers by a 2-0 final score on Oct. 28.
With the way the Canucks are struggling right now, it would be understandable if they look to add to their roster. While they recently acquired forward Lukas Reichel from the Chicago Blackhawks, their forward group could still use a boost.
When looking at the current trade candidates around the NHL, Columbus Blue Jackets forward Yegor Chinakhov stands out in a big way. Because of this, we here at Heavy Sports have a trade proposal that has the Canucks acquiring Chinakhov from the Blue Jackets in an early-season swap.
Canucks Get:
- Yegor Chinakhov
Blue Jackets Get:
- Teddy Blueger
- 2026 Second-Round Pick
Why Canucks & Blue Jackets Would Benefit From This Move
With this trade, the Canucks would be landing a former first-round pick with good upside in Chinakhov. The 24-year-old winger has been off to a solid start this season with Columbus, as he has posted two goals and four points in six games.
With the Canucks needing more skill and forward depth, Chinakhov is exactly the kind of young player who they should consider pursuing. When looking at their current roster, he would have the potential to provide their middle six and power play with a nice boost. In addition, with Chinakhov still being young, there is also the possibility that he has still not hit his ceiling yet.
The Blue Jackets, on the other hand, would be landing a veteran center in Blueger who can kill penalties. While the 31-year-old forward is currently sidelined due to injury, he would be a nice pickup for the Blue Jackets’ bottom six and penalty kill once healthy. In 82 games this past season with Vancouver, he recorded eight goals and 26 points.
However, the main part of this trade proposal for the Blue Jackets would be getting the Canucks’ 2026 second-round pick. With this, they would get the opportunity to add to their prospect pool.
Blue Jackets’ Chinakhov Is Trade Candidate to Watch
Since requesting a trade from the Blue Jackets this offseason, Chinakhov has been a very popular player in the rumor mill. It has carried over to this season as well, as it is clear that the 6-foot-1 forward could use a fresh start at this point.
Due to the questions surrounding Chinakhov’s future in Columbus, he landed the No. 4 spot on Bleacher Report’s NHL Trade Block Board for October.
“Chinakhov hasn’t rescinded his trade request, but appears willing to finish the final season of his two-year contract with the Blue Jackets,” Bleacher Report’s Lyle Richardson wrote. “He remains a trade candidate, though his apparently improved relationship with Evason makes him less likely to be moved than he was a month ago.”
With Chinakhov still creating buzz in the rumor mill, the Canucks would be wise to enter the mix for the young forward. He would give them more talent on the wing and could even cement himself as a top-six forward if he takes that next step.
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This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
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