Penguins' Chinakhov Poised for Scoring Surge

Newly acquired forward has found instant chemistry in Pittsburgh

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Egor Chinakhov has been a revelation since being traded from the Columbus Blue Jackets to the Pittsburgh Penguins, scoring 8 goals and recording 12 points in his first 18 games. The 23-year-old winger has shown flashes of his scoring potential in the past, but consistency and playing time had held him back. Now with the Penguins, Chinakhov is thriving alongside stars like Evgeni Malkin and Tommy Novak, and the question is how many goals he can score for the rest of the season.

Why it matters

Chinakhov's breakout with the Penguins is a major boost for the team as they push for the playoffs. His scoring touch and chemistry with the team's top players could be a difference-maker down the stretch. The Penguins' ability to unlock Chinakhov's potential also highlights their savvy in the trade market.

The details

Chinakhov has seen a significant spike in his shooting percentage since joining the Penguins, converting on over 20% of his shots compared to just 10% for his career. While that percentage is likely to regress, the increase in his shot volume - he already has more total shot attempts and shots on goal in 18 games with Pittsburgh than he did in 29 games with Columbus - suggests he can maintain a high level of production. Projections have him scoring between 13-18 goals for the Penguins the rest of the way, depending on where his shooting percentage lands.

  • Chinakhov was traded from the Columbus Blue Jackets to the Pittsburgh Penguins in January 2026.
  • In his first 18 games with the Penguins, Chinakhov has scored 8 goals and recorded 12 points.

The players

Egor Chinakhov

A 23-year-old Russian forward who was acquired by the Pittsburgh Penguins in a trade with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Chinakhov has emerged as an immediate impact player for the Penguins, forming chemistry with stars like Evgeni Malkin and Tommy Novak.

Kyle Dubas

The general manager of the Pittsburgh Penguins, who has made several savvy moves to improve the team, including the trade for Chinakhov.

Evgeni Malkin

A star center for the Pittsburgh Penguins who has been playing on the same line as Chinakhov, helping the young forward find immediate success.

Tommy Novak

A forward for the Pittsburgh Penguins who has also been playing on the same line as Chinakhov, contributing to the chemistry and production of the trio.

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What they’re saying

“Chinakhov has always had talent and an electric shot, but consistency, playing time and trust from his coaching staff with the Blue Jackets always seemed to hold him back.”

— Adam Gretz, Author (yahoo.com)

“The question now is how many goals can he score the rest of the way? What is a realistic expectation?”

— Adam Gretz, Author (yahoo.com)

What’s next

If Chinakhov can maintain his current shooting pace and production, he could reach 15-18 goals for the Penguins this season, which would be a major boost for the team as they push for the playoffs.

The takeaway

Chinakhov's breakout with the Penguins showcases the team's ability to identify and unlock the potential of talented young players through the right fit and opportunity. His scoring surge could be a difference-maker for Pittsburgh down the stretch.