The Columbus Blue Jackets won't be winning any hardware this season, but at least the same can't be said for all of their prospects.
Yegor Chinakhov, among the club's top prospects, won the KHL's Gagarin Cup on Wednesday. His club, Avangard Omsk, defeated CSKA Moscow in their best of seven series, 4-2.
Coincidentally, Chinakhov didn't play in the 1-0 Game 6 finale, apparently due to illness.
In case anyone was worried, CBJ pick Chinakhov missed today's Gagarin Cup Final clincher for Avangard with an illness. Tough to not be out there, I'd guess, for the last game as his hometown team won it all, but good that it is likely nothing major.
— Jeff Svoboda (@JacketsInsider) April 28, 2021
With his contract set to expire, the 20-year old and his agent are set to begin negotiations. He could opt to stay in the KHL, but several reports have indicated that he will be signing his 3-year, entry-level contract to begin his career in North America.
Chinakhov, who was selected with the 21st overall pick in the 2020 NHL Draft, finished the Gagarin Cup playoffs with 5-2-7 in 21 games played. As a rookie in the KHL this season, he posted 10-7-17 in 32 games played.
Should he sign his ELC, he could be given an opportunity as early as next year to bring his lethal shot to the Blue Jackets opening day lineup.
