Chinakhov produced a power-play assist and three shots on goal in Thursday's 3-2 loss to the Wild.

EDGE Analysis

Chinakhov played on the top line and led all Columbus forwards with 20:48 of ice time in the season opener. If he can keep that role and a spot on the first power-play unit all year, he is poised for a breakout campaign after logging 29 points in 53 games in 2023-24. Chinakhov won't have any immediate competition after Boone Jenner (shoulder) underwent surgery Wednesday and will be out for 5-6 months, though left-shot forwards Cole Sillinger and Kent Johnson, both natural centers, may eventually push for more ice time beyond their current third-line spots.