Chinakhov logged an assist in Friday's 6-3 loss to the Penguins.

EDGE Analysis

This was Chinakhov's first point in eight contests since he returned from a 39-game absence due to an upper-body injury. He's gone minus-8 with 13 shots on net since his return, which also saw him scratched once due to poor performance. He's still nominally on the second line, but he saw just 12:07 of ice time Friday and hasn't exceeded 14:31 in any outing since he came off injured reserve. The 24-year-old winger is at 15 points, 68 shots on net, 47 hits and a minus-6 rating through 29 appearances this season. He's at risk of getting lost in the shuffle for the Blue Jackets, who will likely integrate more prospects for the 2025-26 campaign.

Chinakhov (upper-body) was minus-2 with two shots in 13:25 in Tuesday's 6-2 loss to the Lightning. He had missed 39 games to injury.

EDGE Analysis

It will take Chinakhov some time to get back up to game speed. Prior to his injury, the young winger appeared to be taking a step forward -- he had seven goals and seven assists in his first 21 games. Chinakhov could give you a late-season boost if he can get his skates under him.

Chinakhov (back) will be in the lineup for Tuesday's clash with Tampa Bay, Aaron Portzline of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Chinakhov figures to slot into a top-six role with the Jackets and should see minutes with the No. 2 power-play unit as well. Prior to getting hurt, the 24-year-old winger scored three goals in his last four contests while putting up 11 shots. He'll need to start putting up goals right away if he is going to match his total (16) from last year. In order to create the roster spot to activate Chinakhov, the Jackets will likely put Cole Sillinger (shoulder) on injured reserve.

Chinakhov (back) was a full participant in Monday's practice, Jeff Svoboda of the Blue Jackets' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Chinakhov could return from a 39-game absence against Tampa Bay on Tuesday. During Monday's session, he occupied a top-six role and could see time on the power play once given clearance to return to the lineup. Chinakhov has seven goals, 14 points, 32 hits and 55 shots on net in 21 appearances this season.

Chinakhov (upper body) is still a few weeks away from a return, Mark Scheig of The Hockey Writers reports.

EDGE Analysis

Chinakhov likely experienced a setback after resuming skating. The 23-year-old's absence reached the 25-game mark against the Rangers on Saturday, and the latest update on his status indicates he will be out for a while longer.

Chinakhov (upper body) completed a solo skating session Wednesday, Aaron Portzline of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Chinakhov has been on the shelf for the last 11 contests due to his upper-body injury and seems unlikely to play in Thursday's matchup with New Jersey considering he has yet to practice with the team. Since Justin Danforth (lower body) is also sidelined, the Jackets will likely continue utilizing Mikael Pyyhtia and Kevin Labanc in fourth-line roles.

Chinakhov was moved to injured reserve Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Chinakhov hasn't been in the lineup since Nov. 27, so he's eligible to be activated whenever he's healthy. That said, Chinakhov hasn't resumed skating yet and isn't believed to be close to returning. He has seven goals and 14 points in 21 outings in 2024-25.

Head coach Dean Evason said Tuesday that Chinakhov (upper body) is "progressing, for sure, but as far as I know he hasn't been on the ice yet. So he's not close to coming back yet," Jeff Svoboda of the Blue Jackets' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Chinakov has missed the past six games due to the injury. The Russian winger was playing well before suffering the setback, as he scored in three of his last four appearances. Chinakhov will likely slot into a middle-six role once he's healthy.

Chinakhov (upper body) didn't accompany Columbus on the team's five-game road trip and won't play Sunday versus Chicago, Jeff Svoboda of the Blue Jackets' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Blue Jackets recalled Mikael Pyyhtia from AHL Cleveland on Sunday to be an extra forward. It's unclear at this time if Chinakhov will join the team. He didn't play in Friday's 5-2 win over Calgary and is considered day-to-day. Chinakhov has seven goals, 14 points, 55 shots on net and 32 hits across 21 outings this season.

Chinakhov (upper body) will be unavailable Friday versus Calgary, Jeff Svoboda of the Blue Jackets' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Chinakhov didn't miss any time versus Montreal on Wednesday, when he scored his third goal in the last four games. Chinakhov has seven goals, seven assists, 55 shots on goal and 32 hits in 21 appearances this season. Consider him day-to-day ahead of Sunday's tilt in Chicago. Cole Sillinger will return to the lineup, replacing Chinakhov.