Chinakhov scored as the Blue Jackets toppled the Rangers 5-1 Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

Chinakhov, who had seven goals and a minus-27 rating as a rookie last season, shook off a tough three-game stretch to start this season. Over the past four games, the 2020 first-round draft pick has collected a goal and four assists. Chinakhov's second-period goal Sunday capped the Blue Jackets' three-goal surge covering the opening 29 minutes. His first goal came via his lone shot Sunday.

Chinakhov scored his league-leading sixth goal of the preseason in Saturday's overtime loss to the Capitals.

EDGE Analysis

He wired a shot from the slot past Darcy Kuemper on a Blue Jackets power play late in the first period. Chinakhov's offensive outburst during exhibition play has him in strong position to begin the season on the NHL roster -- an assignment that also figures to include a spot on the second power-play unit.

Chinakhov will skate on the second line with Jack Roslovic and Jakub Voracek in Thursday's preseason game against the Blues, Aaron Portzline of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 21-year-old is getting the opportunity due to a lower-body injury to Gustav Nyquist, who is expected to be healthy for the start of the regular season, but Chinakhov has also earned it with his play this preseason. Kirill Marchenko was assigned to AHL Cleveland on Wednesday, giving Chinakhov a little less competition for a roster spot in Columbus, but the Jackets still have some tough choices to make before settling on an Opening Night lineup.

Chinakhov scored the game-winning goal in Saturday's preseason victory over the Capitals.

EDGE Analysis

The 2020 first-round pick is one of a number of younger trying to win spots in an increasingly crowded Columbus forward group, but Chinakhov has improved his odds of an NHL assignment for Opening Night with three goals in the last two preseason games. The 21-year-old played 62 games for the Blue Jackets last season, scoring just seven goals and 14 points with a minus-27 rating, but he has the talent to take a big step forward if he gets an opportunity. Unfortunately for Chinakhov, other top prospects like Kent Johnson, Cole Sillinger and Kirill Marchenko may be ahead of him on the depth chart.

Chinakhov (upper body) will return to the lineup Sunday against the Oilers, Blue Jackets team reporter Jeff Svoboda reports.

EDGE Analysis

Chinakhov will sub in for Brendan Gaunce and likely skate in a bottom-six role. The 21-year-old rookie has totaled 14 points through 58 games, including consecutive games with a point March 31 and April 2 prior to getting injured.

Chinakhov (upper body) remains out of action Tuesday versus the Sharks, Blue Jackets team reporter Jeff Svoboda reports.

EDGE Analysis

Chinakhov can be considered out indefinitely until it's reported he's returned to practice. This will be his eighth straight absence with the injury, and given how little time is left in the season, the Blue Jackets may not rush him back.

Chinakhov (upper body) will miss out versus the Kings on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Chinakhov will be absent for his sixth straight outing due to his upper-body issue. Prior to getting hurt, the 22-year-old winger was mired in a 10-game goal drought during which he recorded just 13 shots. Whenever Chinakhov is given the green light to return, he will likely need to start shooting more if he is going to break out of his current funk. While he hasn't been officially ruled out versus Anaheim on Sunday, the fact that Columbus is heading into a back-to-back suggests Chinakhov will likely remain unavailable.

Chinakhov (upper body) won't play Wednesday versus the Canadiens, Mark Scheig of The Hockey Writers reports.

EDGE Analysis

Chinakhov didn't skate on a line at practice Tuesday, and the Blue Jackets will roll with the lines and defense pairings they used from that session. The 22-year-old is still considered day-to-day ahead of Saturday's road game versus the Kings.

Chinakhov (upper body) is considered day-to-day ahead of the team's matchup with Montreal on Wednesday, Mark Scheig of The Hockey Writers reports.

EDGE Analysis

Chinakhov has already been sidelined for the Jackets' last four contests due to his upper-body issue but could be nearing a return to the ice. Once given the all-clear, the 22-year-old Russian could push for a spot in the top six as he looks to break out of a 10-game goal drought.

Chinakhov (upper body) won't play Saturday versus the Red Wings, Blue Jackets team reporter Jeff Svoboda reports.

EDGE Analysis

Chinakhov will miss his fourth straight game with the injury. The 22-year-old hasn't been given a timeline to return at this stage. His next chance to play is Wednesday versus the Canadiens.