The NHL's holiday roster freeze is about to lift, and the Buffalo Sabres are poised to make waves. According to league insiders, the Sabres have emerged as a potential destination for Columbus Blue Jackets forward Yegor Chinakhov, who requested a trade earlier this season.
Kekalainen's Connection and Sabres' Urgent Needs
With the freeze set to expire this weekend, newly appointed Sabres General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen can officially begin reshaping the roster. The organisation is desperate to end a playoff drought stretching over a decade and believes substantial changes are necessary. Acquiring a player like Chinakhov represents the kind of bold action they are considering to get back on track.
The connection here is significant. Kekalainen is intimately familiar with Chinakhov's game from his time as GM in Columbus. Chris Johnston of The Athletic specifically linked the Sabres to Chinakhov, noting, "The Sabres have the draft capital needed to make a future-focused trade, but they also have young roster players who could be moved in a more traditional hockey deal."
Why Chinakhov Fits the Buffalo Blueprint
Despite a modest stat line of just 3 goals and 6 points in 29 games this season, Yegor Chinakhov is viewed by many in the league as a prime breakout candidate. The 24-year-old Russian winger is coming off a 2022-23 campaign where he netted 16 goals, proving he can score at the NHL level. His combination of raw strength and explosive speed are attributes that originally attracted Kekalainen.
Johnston emphasised that Chinakhov's skillset suggests he has the potential to be a consistent 20-goal scorer in the right environment. A fresh start with a team willing to give him a larger role could unlock that potential. For a Sabres team seeking more offensive depth and youthful energy, he presents a compelling, low-risk, high-reward project.
What a Trade Would Signal for Buffalo
A move for Chinakhov would be a clear signal of intent from Jarmo Kekalainen's new administration. It would demonstrate a proactive approach to using assets—both draft picks and young players—to address immediate roster needs. More importantly, it targets a player whose development curve could align with Buffalo's core of young talent.
As the weekend approaches, the speculation will intensify. Whether this rumour materialises into a concrete trade remains to be seen. However, one thing is clear: the Buffalo Sabres are actively exploring all avenues to catalyse their return to postseason contention, and Yegor Chinakhov's name is firmly on their radar.
