The Buffalo Sabers have been on an impressive run recently, winning their last seven games and holding an 18-14-4 record. This performance places them seventh in the Atlantic Division, just three points behind the third-place Tampa Bay Lightning, fueling optimism for the 2025-26 season.
With the team gaining momentum and eager to end a 14-year absence from the playoffs, new general manager Jarmo Kekalainen is looking to strengthen the roster. Chris Johnston from The Athletic has suggested that the Sabers could be a potential destination for Columbus Blue Jackets forward Egor Chinakhov.
Johnston noted, “No one in the NHL knows more about Chinakhov than Jarmo Kekalainen, who originally drafted him in Columbus. Now leading Buffalo’s front office, Kekalainen is likely to lean on familiar players as he shapes the Sabers’ lineup.”
Chinakhov, a 2020 first-round pick, brings promising talent and room for growth at just 24 years old. As he approaches the final year of his contract and potential restricted free agency, the Sabers could secure him long-term with a qualifying offer, making him more than just a short-term acquisition.
This season, Chinakhov has tallied three goals and six points in 29 games with the Blue Jackets. While these stats aren’t standout, his previous performances — 16 goals and 29 points across 53 games last season, and seven goals with 15 points in 30 games the season before — highlight his capability.
Fan Take: This potential move is exciting for Sabers fans who are eager to see new talent invigorate their team and finally break their playoff drought. Bringing in a player familiar to the GM could create a strong foundation for the team’s future, offering renewed hope and competitiveness in the league.
