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.

Chinakhov scored a power-play goal on six shots in Tuesday's 3-1 preseason win over the Blues.

EDGE Analysis

Chinakhov's second-period tally tied the game at 1-1. His presence on the power play is an encouraging sign Chinakhov will be a significant part of the Blue Jackets' offense in 2024-25 after he signed a two-year, $4.2 million extension in June. He recorded 29 points (two on the power play) in 53 outings last season before his campaign was cut short by an upper-body injury that cost him the final month.

Chinakhov is recovered from an upper-body injury and will be present for the start of training camp, per Jeff Svoboda of the Blue Jackets' official site Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

Chinakhov missed the final 17 contests of the 2023-24 regular season due to the injury. The 23-year-old appears to be well past that setback, and he also signed a two-year contract extension with Columbus this summer. Chinakhov should see power-play time while being firmly entrenched among the top-six forward group. The Russian winger has generated 56 points in 145 career outings as an NHLer.

Chinakhov (upper body) signed a two-year, $4.2 millon contract extension with the Blue Jackets on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Chinakhov missed the last 17 games of the regular season due to the injury. He ended the campaign with 16 goals and 13 assists in 53 contests. Look for Chinakhov to serve in a top-six capacity in 2024-25.

Chinakhov (upper body) won't play Tuesday against Carolina, Jeff Svoboda of the Blue Jackets' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Chinakhov will miss his 17th consecutive contest. He will conclude the 2023-24 campaign with 16 goals, 29 points, 110 shots on net and 43 hits in 53 games.

Chinakhov (upper body) is considered week-to-week, Jeff Svoboda of the Blue Jackets' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Chinakhov will miss is ninth consecutive contest Saturday versus Pittsburgh. With only eight games remaining after Saturday's tilt, Chinakhov may have played his last game of the season. He has 16 goals and 29 points in 53 appearances during the 2023-24 campaign.

Chinakhov (upper body) isn't expected to play Thursday versus Pittsburgh.

EDGE Analysis

Chinakhov has 16 goals and 29 points in 53 contests this season. He hasn't played since March 12 due to the injury, and it's not clear how much longer he might be out for. Chinakhov will likely serve in a middle-six capacity once he's available.

Chinakhov (upper body) won't play Tuesday versus the Coyotes, Jeff Svoboda of the Blue Jackets' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Chinakhov is set to miss his seventh game in a row. There's been little information regarding the winger's status since he was hurt March 12 in Montreal. His next chance to play is Thursday in Pittsburgh.

Chinakhov (upper body) won't play Saturday versus the Golden Knights, Jeff Svoboda of the Blue Jackets' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Svoboda reports the Blue Jackets will deploy the same lineup they used in Colorado on Friday, meaning Chinakhov will miss his sixth straight game. His next chance to play is Tuesday in Arizona.

Chinakhov (upper body) is expected to miss Friday's contest versus Colorado.

EDGE Analysis

Chinakhov has 16 goals and 29 points in 53 outings in 2023-24. He was last in the lineup March 12. When Chinakhov is ready to return, he will probably serve in a middle-six capacity.