HOME     POLLS     SEARCH

RED WINGS INSIDER


Red Wings and Blue Jackets reportedly talking trade involving a 24-year-old forward: The perfect swap


PUBLICATION
Sam Walker
October 31, 2025  (2:34 PM)
SHARE THIS STORY
FOLLOW US

Apr 4, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Red Wings right wing Jonatan Berggren (48) brings the puck up ice during the game against the Carolina Hurricanes at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-Imagn Images
Photo credit: Tim Fuller-Imagn Images

The Detroit Red Wings' recent recall of forward Austin Watson from the AHL's Grand Rapids Griffins signals a key lineup spot up for grabs, and The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun has offered insight into a potential trade with the Columbus Blue Jackets that could solve it all.

Todd McLellan planned to have forward Carter Mazur recalled to the Red Wings' NHL roster, but a recent injury has certainly changed things.
Instead, Austin Watson will serve as a filler in the Red Wings' lineup until Patrick Kane returns from injury, but a clear lack of depth is being shown due to their current circumstances.
According to Pierre LeBrun, the Red Wings have inquired about Yegor Chinakhov of the Blue Jackets, a 24-year-old forward who's requested a trade out of Columbus due to a lack of opportunity.
"Several teams have recently kicked the tires on Yegor Chinakhov, 24, who still wants out of Columbus, including the Buffalo Sabres, Florida Panthers and Detroit Red Wings. I could see the Flames also inquiring if they haven't already. It would make sense that the Leafs, seeking a forward boost, would have inquired, too."

Yegor Chinakhov could unlock a new level of player if acquired by the Red Wings

Throughout the past four seasons, Chinakhov has never found a real role with the Blue Jackets organization.
In the 2023-24 season, the Russian-born player tallied a career-high 39 points in 53 games, showing his true potential, despite not having a full-time lineup role.
Another player who's in a similar situation is Red Wings forward Jonatan Berggren, who's seeing limited ice time, despite having upside to his game.
Elliotte Friedman's recent comments on a potential Red Wings trade make the Red Wings and Blue Jackets ideal trade partners.
POLL
8 HOURS AGO   |   159 ANSWERS
Red Wings and Blue Jackets reportedly talking trade involving a 24-year-old forward: The perfect swap

Would you be willing to trade Jonatan Berggren in exchange for Yegor Chinakhov, 1-for-1?


REDWINGSINSIDER.COM
COPYRIGHT @2025 - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
TERMS  -  POLICIES