One of the few highlights of the 2023-24 Blue Jackets season has been the breakout of Yegor Chinakhov.
After posting 11-16--27 in 92 games through his first two seasons, the No. 21 overall pick in the 2020 NHL Draft has recorded 16-13--29 in 52 games this season.
This breakout shouldn't be surprising. According to NHL EDGE, Chinakhov ranks in the 95th percentile among forwards in top skating speed (23.38 mph), the 98th percentile among forwards in speed bursts over 20 mph (204), and in the 91st percentile among forwards in top shot speed (98.0 mph).
"I just try to use my best option," Chinakhov said on Monday when asked about his unique skill set. "Of course, the speed and shot. That's it. I try to play with speed."
While he usually plays on a line with fellow Russians Kirill Marchenko and Dmitri Voronkov, Chinakhov played alongside Boone Jenner and Johnny Gaudreau on Saturday. Despite the 2-1 loss to Nashville, this line performed well, posting a 9-4 advantage in five-on-five scoring chances and a 0.73-0.25 advantage in five-on-five expected goals, per naturalstattrick.com.
"I think Johnny knows how to use my speed," Chinakhov said. "And Boone of course. We just try to play [well] together."
Blue Jackets head coach Pascal Vincent had high praise for Chinakhov, as well.
"I think he's already a good player," Vincent said. "But he could become even better over time. He's still a young player. And we're very excited. I think if he keeps progressing the way he is right now, he could become that kind of a power forward with skills that can generate offense but also be very reliable defensively as well."
Vincent also spoke on the uniqueness of Chinakhov's abilities.
"It's pretty outstanding for a young player," Vincent said. "He's really powerful. His lower body is really powerful. So it gives him the ability to create separation and for him to use that lethal shot. His wrist shot is one of the best I've seen in years, if not the best. So it's a good combination of skills. But what I do like a lot is for him to be reliable defensively. So it gives us a chance to play him when we need a goal but also when we need to protect the goal."
