Egor Chinakhov Is Thriving in Pittsburgh - And the Penguins Are Reaping the Rewards
When Kyle Dubas pulled the trigger to acquire Egor Chinakhov from the Columbus Blue Jackets, there were more than a few raised eyebrows around Pittsburgh. The Penguins gave up a package of premium draft picks to bring in the 22-year-old Russian winger - a steep price for a player who had just three goals in 29 games this season. But fast-forward a few weeks, and that deal is already starting to look like a masterstroke.
Since arriving in Pittsburgh, Chinakhov has flipped the script. He’s scored seven goals in just 16 games wearing black and gold, instantly injecting life into the Penguins’ middle six and finding undeniable chemistry with veteran center Evgeni Malkin.
The numbers tell part of the story - 7 goals and 2 assists for 9 points - but it’s the eye test that really drives it home. Chinakhov looks like he belongs.
And not just belongs - he’s thriving.
A Seamless Fit in the Penguins’ Lineup
Chinakhov has slotted into the Penguins’ system like he’s been there for years. His skating is explosive, his release is quick and heavy, and he’s playing with the kind of confidence you don’t typically see from a young player adjusting to a new team midseason. But perhaps most importantly, he’s playing with purpose - and that’s been contagious.
This is exactly the type of player Dubas has been targeting: young, skilled, fast, and in need of a fresh start. Chinakhov checks every box.
And now, with a change of scenery and a new role, he’s showing why he was once a first-round pick. He’s not just filling a spot - he’s making an impact.
The Malkin-Chinakhov Connection
One of the biggest reasons for Chinakhov’s immediate success? His chemistry with Evgeni Malkin.
The two Russians have clicked in a way that’s been nothing short of electric. There’s a natural flow to their game - a shared instinct and rhythm that’s hard to teach and even harder to defend.
They’re creating offense with ease, generating odd-man rushes and capitalizing on quick-strike opportunities. It’s not just that they’re scoring - it’s how they’re doing it. Whether it’s a give-and-go through the neutral zone or a perfectly timed cross-ice feed, Malkin and Chinakhov are playing off each other like they’ve been linemates for years.
For Malkin, who’s spent stretches of recent seasons searching for the right winger, this pairing feels like a breakthrough. And for Chinakhov, playing alongside a future Hall of Famer has clearly elevated his game. The connection is real, and it’s paying dividends for both players - and for the Penguins as a whole.
A Timely Boost for the Penguins’ Playoff Push
Let’s not overlook the timing here. Chinakhov’s emergence has coincided with a surge in the standings for Pittsburgh. The Penguins now sit second in the Metropolitan Division, and while there are a number of factors behind that rise, Chinakhov’s arrival has undeniably given the team a spark.
He’s provided secondary scoring, helped stabilize the middle of the lineup, and brought a new layer of unpredictability to the Penguins’ offense. Simply put, they wouldn’t be where they are right now without him.
And the best part? This doesn’t feel like a flash in the pan.
Chinakhov’s game is sustainable. He’s not relying on fluky bounces or inflated shooting percentages - he’s generating quality chances and finishing them with skill.
The foundation is there for long-term success.
Don’t Break Up This Duo
Head coach Dan Muse made a smart move pairing Chinakhov with Malkin, and at this point, there’s no reason to mess with a good thing. The two have become inseparable on the ice, and their chemistry is only getting stronger. As the Penguins continue their playoff push, keeping this duo intact should be a priority.
In a season where Pittsburgh has been searching for consistency, Chinakhov has brought not just production, but potential - the kind that could carry real weight come April and beyond. What looked like a gamble at the time is now looking like one of the savviest moves of the season.
The Penguins took a chance. And right now, Egor Chinakhov is making them look very smart.