Penguins Land Sniper Yegor Chinakhov, Waive Graves Amid Rebuild Shift

The Pittsburgh Penguins acquired Yegor Chinakhov (24) from the Columbus Blue Jackets for Danton Heinen, a 2026 second-round, and a 2027 third-round pick. Defenseman Ryan Graves (30) was designated non-roster for waivers to create space. Chinakhov, a 2020 first-round pick (21st overall), recorded 3 goals and 6 points in 29 games this season. He previously had 16 goals/29 points in 53 games (2023-24) and 7 goals/15 points in 30 games (2024-25) before a back injury and a rift with his coach led to a trade request. GM Kyle Dubas views the sniper as a high-potential young player, signaling the Penguins' rebuild is entering its 'execution phase,' leveraging draft capital and projected $54.2M cap space.