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