When the Columbus Blue Jackets selected Yegor Chinakhov 21st overall in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, it was a move that sent ripples through the scouting community. Many pundits had him ranked as a mid-round pick, but former GM Jarmo Kekäläinen saw something others didn’t: pure, unadulterated scoring ability. Now, several seasons into his NHL career, we’re seeing exactly what that vision was, and the results are tantalizing.
As someone who has watched his game evolve since his days in the KHL, I can tell you that his primary weapon is not just good, it’s truly elite.
Chinakhov’s Greatest Asset: The Shot
The foundation of Chinakhov’s entire offensive game is his shot. It’s not just hard; it’s deceptive, explosive, and he can get it off from multiple release points and angles. Whether it’s a wicked one-timer from the top of the circle on the power play or a lightning-quick snapshot off the rush, goaltenders have immense difficulty tracking the puck off his blade. This isn’t a skill you teach; it’s an innate talent. His offensive instincts allow him to find soft ice in the attacking zone, getting himself into prime position to unleash that rocket. When he’s on his game, he is a threat to score every single time he touches the puck in the offensive third.
The Hurdles to True Stardom
However, the reason Chinakhov isn’t yet a consistent 30-goal scorer lies in the other areas of his game. His biggest weakness is inconsistency, not just in production but in engagement. There are stretches of games where he can seem to disappear, becoming a non-factor on the forecheck and in board battles. To take the next step, he needs to leverage his 6’1″ frame more effectively and become a more tenacious puck pursuer. While his defensive game has shown improvement, it remains a work in progress. For him to earn top-line minutes and the trust of his coaches in all situations, he must become a more reliable and consistent two-way player. The potential for a star sniper is there; the next step is building the complete professional game around it.
