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The Boston Bruins made an offer for a disgruntled forward, with rumors suggesting the deal was nixed by the other club.
Chatter surrounding the Boston Bruins suggests that the club had a major deal in the works involving a disgruntled 24-year-old forward. Specifically, the rumor pertains to Columbus Blue Jackets rising star Yegor Chinakhov.
Earlier this summer, Chinakhov’s agent made a public statement regarding the Russian phenom’s trade request out of Columbus. Since then, speculation has swirled around the league, focusing on which teams could make a play for Chinakhov.
One such rumor has the Boston Bruins making a serious pitch for Chinakhov. According to an August 13 post from Dominic Tiano, the Bruins put an offer on the table for Chinakhov, but the Blue Jackets nixed the deal.
Believe The Bruins made a play for Chinakhov but CBJ turned it down
— Dominic Tiano (@dominictiano) August 13, 2025
It’s unclear what the Bruins might have offered for Chinahkov. But whatever it was, the Blue Jackets weren’t impressed by the deal. Of course, the source isn’t precisely a notable insider. That’s why this rumor must be taken with a grain of salt.
But then again, there might be more to it than meets the eye. Boston is certainly looking to improve while getting younger. Chinakhov fits that bill. He’s still young and hasn’t reached his ceiling.
Meanwhile, he’s in the final year of a two-year, $4.2 million deal. That situation makes his potential cap hit manageable moving forward. Chinakhov is the sort of gamble that would make sense for the Bruins.
Speculating on Price Bruins Could Have Paid
There’s no clarity on what the asking price for Chinakhov is at this point. Since Columbus isn’t really in a rush to trade Chinakhov, the asking price could be high at this point.
Now, it would be unreasonable to think that the asking price starts with a first-round pick. While the Blue Jackets might like to get one, it’s unrealistic.
So, the asking price could involve a roster player and potentially other picks to sweeten the deal. The Bruins could have offered a mid-tier prospect like John Beecher or perhaps Max Wanner. The Blue Jackets, meanwhile, could have their eye on someone like Matthew Poitras or Fraser Minten.
But it’s unlikely the Bruins are willing to part with any prospect who could play center at this point. The club is rumored to be looking to move Pavel Zacha or Elias Lindholm. That’s why trading a young center would make no sense for the Bruins.
Additionally, Columbus believes it can contend for a playoff spot this season. As such, a trade would have to involve player(s) who can help the team now. Unless substantial futures were involved, the Blue Jackets might want to wait a bit longer.
Don Sweeney Working Behind the Scenes
The Bruins’ relatively quiet offseason has raised question from fans. The team’s faithful have been holding their collective breath for a major move. But just because it hasn’t happened doesn’t mean Don Sweeney hasn’t tried.
The Bruins are biding their time, waiting for the right deal to come along. If it hasn’t, it’s not for a lack of trying. The market is in a holding pattern at the moment. Most contending clubs are not adding. Rebuilding clubs aren’t really selling at this point, either.
If anything, the rest of the summer could go by quietly. Moves could pick up once training camps open and teams see the first injuries of the new season.
Nestor Quixtan Seasoned NHL analyst focused on covering all 32 teams with news, analysis, and insights. Originally from Toronto, Canada, Nestor’s singular experiences and background have enabled him to bring a different take on the sports world as a whole. More about Nestor Quixtan
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