Chinakhov was recalled from AHL Cleveland on Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

The 21-year-old was sent down to the minors Friday, and after scoring for the Monsters on Saturday, he finds himself back with the big club. The 2020 No. 21 overall draft pick has yet to make his NHL debut, but one figures Chinakhov's first taste of NHL action will come sooner rather than later.

Chinakhov was demoted to AHL Cleveland on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Chinakhov was a healthy scratch for the season opener versus Arizona on Wednesday and will now get some ice time in the minors. The 21-year-old winger should be expected to make his NHL debut at some point this season and will likely continue to move frequently between levels as he tries to break into the Jackets' lineup.

Chinakhov has drawn praise from new Blue Jackets coach Brad Larsen for his play away from the puck and his quick learning curve in training camp, and the 21-year-old could make the NHL roster to begin the season, Aaron Portzline of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Taken somewhat surprisingly with the 21st overall pick in the 2020 draft after going undrafted in 2019, Chinakhov spent last season with Gagarin Cup winners Omsk Avangard in the KHL and was named the league's rookie of the year after scoring 10 goals and 17 points in 32 regular-season games, before chipping in five goals and seven points in 21 playoff contests. He has a great set of offensive tools including a wicked wrist shot, and he's shown growth in the rest of his game since being drafted. The rebuilding Jackets still have quality depth at right wing with Jakub Voracek and Oliver Bjorkstrand filling the top two spots on the depth chart, but Chinakhov could be ready to get his feet wet on the third line while seeing occasional power-play duty. If not, he'll begin his career in North America with AHL Cleveland and look to earn his NHL debut later this season.

Chinakhov signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Blue Jackets on Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

The contract goes into effect immediately, so it's possible the 21st overall pick in the 2020 draft will make his Blue Jackets debut at some point this season. Chinakhov projects to provide some offense for a Columbus team that can certainly use it, as he totaled 10 goals and 17 points in 32 games for Avangard Omsk of the KHL, leading all players aged 20 or under league-wide with 0.53 points per game.

Chinakhov's agent announced Friday that the 21-year-old forward will make the transition to North America for the 2021-22 campaign.

EDGE Analysis

The Blue Jackets selected Chinakhov with the 21st overall pick in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. The 20-year-old Russian was solid in the KHL this season, picking up 10 goals and 17 points in 32 games with Avangard Omsk. It wouldn't be surprising to see Chinakhov start the 2021-22 campaign with AHL Cleveland.

Chinakhov, who was injured during the 2021 World Junior Championships while playing for Team Russia, returned to the lineup Tuesday for Avangard Omsk in the KHL, Jeff Svoboda of Jackets Insider reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 20-year-old was a surprise 21st overall pick for the Blue Jackets in the 2020 draft, but Chinakhov hasn't yet demonstrated what GM Jarmo Kekalainen saw in him, managing only one goal in five games at the world juniors and scoring eight goals and 15 points through 28 games for Omsk this season. It could be a couple years before he heads to North America and attempts to crack an NHL lineup.