Overview

• Chinakhov cited misunderstandings with coach Dean Evason when formally requesting a trade through agent Shumi Babaev’s social media post
• General manager Don Waddell said he was surprised the request went public but confirmed he has begun discussions with other teams
• Waddell emphasized he will not move Chinakhov without receiving adequate return value in any deal
• Chinakhov is under contract for the 2025–26 season with a $2.1 million cap hit and has pledged to maintain full effort if a trade does not materialize
• Last season the 24-year-old winger recorded seven goals and 15 points in 30 games after missing time with a back injury and facing healthy scratches