The Avalanche should proceed with caution.
While the Colorado Avalanche have approached the offseason with measured restraint—preserving both flexibility and optionality should the right opportunity present itself—one prospective transaction continues to distinguish itself as particularly compelling.
At first thought, this writer believed trading for Yegor Chinakov would be a mistake, but after further analysis, the 24-year-old deserves a deeper evaluation. The Russian winger carries an impressive combination of skill and speed. However, he also comes with undeniable durability concerns.
Is Chinakov Worth The Risk?
In 2019, the Colorado Avalanche made a calculated bet on a Russian winger whose once-promising trajectory had been derailed by injuries and prolonged scoring inconsistency. That player, Valeri Nichushkin, had previously drawn lofty praise from none other than Jaromir Jagr—then with the New Jersey Devils—who boldly predicted, “He’s going to be the best in the world one day.”
While Nichushkin’s off-ice challenges have drawn considerable attention in recent years, his on-ice contributions during Colorado’s 2022 Stanley Cup run were undeniable. He recorded 15 points over 20 playoff games, emerging as a dominant two-way force. Notably, four of his nine postseason goals came during the Cup Final, underscoring his impact on hockey’s biggest stage.
Chinakhov, who has recently requested a trade from the Columbus Blue Jackets, embodies a familiar archetype within the NHL landscape: a highly skilled player seeking a fresh start in a new environment.
Selected 20th overall in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, Chinakhov has already been sidelined for nearly 100 games over the course of his professional career due to a constellation of both lower- and upper-body ailments. Since making his NHL debut on October 14, 2021, he has missed 94 contests. Over the same period, the Blue Jackets have contested 410 regular-season games, placing Chinakhov’s absence at approximately 23 percent of the team’s total matchups. Although this figure might appear modest at first glance, it nevertheless represents a substantial fraction of the playing opportunities, underscoring the tangible impact of his recurring health issues on his availability.
In contrast, Brent Burns, signed by the Colorado Avalanche on July 2, has played in over 900 straight NHL games since November 21, 2013. This exceptional durability situates him fourth on the all-time league leaderboard for consecutive games played. Only three athletes surpass Burns’ remarkable tenure: Doug Jarvis, Keith Yandle, and Phil Kessel. Notably, Kessel, a three-time Stanley Cup champion, distinguished himself as the sole player in NHL history to surpass the 1,000-game consecutive appearance threshold, amassing an unprecedented 1,064 straight contests.
Viewed from this perspective, the Avalanche must exercise considerable prudence in their approach to Chinakov— and that prudence is imperative even before deliberating on the assets they might be compelled to relinquish in exchange for a player whose record is practically a dossier of injuries. However, his skill is deniable.
Trade Options
Keaton Middleton could present an intriguing option for the Blue Jackets, offering much-needed physicality and grit along the blue line. Alternatively, the Avalanche might consider parting with one of their remaining prospects coupled with a draft pick to facilitate the deal. That said, given Colorado’s recent pattern of sacrificing future selections to remain competitive in the present, surrendering yet another pick may prove a precarious gamble. Ultimately, much will hinge on what Chris MacFarland has in store as the new season approaches.
If the Avalanche are serious about acquiring Chinakov, executing the trade sooner rather than later would be advantageous, affording him valuable time to acclimate and build rapport within the locker room. It’s worth recalling that the 2022 championship roster was not assembled through short-term rentals or opportunistic acquisitions—it was forged through sustained chemistry, shared purpose, and a sense of brotherhood. To recapture that dynamic, the current group must be given the runway to grow together, cultivate trust, and coalesce into something greater than the sum of its parts.