Former first-round pick unhappy with role with Blue Jackets

One of the Columbus Blue Jackets’ rising stars is on thin ice with the struggling franchise.

Per his agent, Shumi Babaev, Yegor Chinakhov is “unhappy” with his standing on the team.

Following a 5-2 loss to the Boston Bruins on Monday night, where Chinakhov potted a goal and an assist, Babaev pointed out that his client is not pleased with playing a fourth-line rule.

“He doesn’t feel they trust him, and he wants to leave,” Babaev told Brian Hedger of The Columbus Dispatch. “They don’t understand how bad [Chinakhov] feels.”

With the ongoing frustrations, there is speculation that Chinakhov might submit a trade request.

Chinakhov had thoughts of leaving the team during his rookie campaign a couple of years ago, citing homesickness.

The Russian-born player was drafted 21st overall by the Blue Jackets in the 2020 draft. He joined the team in 2021 after being named the KHL’s Rookie of the Year with Avangard Omsk.

Unfortunately, injuries have hindered the 22-year-old since his arrival to North America. A back strain held him out of this past preseason and the first 10 games of the Blue Jackets’ regular season.

Through 12 games this season, Chinakhov has two goals and two assists, having scored 31 points in 104 career games. He has also played a handful of games with their American Hockey League affiliate, the Cleveland Monsters, mostly during rehab assignments.

Blue Jackets’ general manager Jarmo Kekalainen declined to comment on the matter.

The saga with Chinakhov is just another tab on Columbus’ ongoing struggles, both on and off the ice. The team sits at the bottom of the Metropolitan Division with 18 points, five out of a wild-card spot. It has also had to deal with the benching of star players this month.