Penguins Roster Moves
Penguins Lock In Winger Chinakhov for Three Years, Boost Goaltending Depth with Silovs Deal
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Key Points
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Chinakhov was acquired from the Columbus Blue Jackets on December 29, 2025, in exchange for forward Danton Heinen and two draft picks.
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After joining Pittsburgh, Chinakhov posted 36 points in 43 games with the Penguins (18 goals, 18 assists).
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Chinakhov's final 18 games of the 2025-26 season included eight goals and 22 points, illustrating a strong late-season surge.
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Silovs was acquired from the Vancouver Canucks in July 2025 in exchange for Chase Stillman and a draft pick.
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Blomqvist signed a two-year, $1.75 million contract; Gustafsson joined the Penguins as part of the goalie/forward signings; Blomqvist previously played in the AHL with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, going 16-5-4 with a .913 save percentage and a 2.40 GAA.
The Pittsburgh Penguins have locked up winger Egor Chinakhov on a three-year, $18.75 million deal — a $6.25 million average annual value — after one of the most impressive late-season runs in the league, according to Daily Faceoff. The contract runs through the 2028-29 season and keeps one of Pittsburgh's most exciting young forwards off the free agent market.
Pittsburgh also signed goaltender Arturs Silovs, goaltender Joel Blomqvist, and forward David Gustafsson as part of a busy roster reshaping effort, per Trib Live. The moves add depth at both goaltender and forward, setting the Penguins up for next season.
Chinakhov's Hot Streak Earned Him a Long-Term Deal
Chinakhov, 25, posted career highs across the board this season — 21 goals, 21 assists, and 42 points in 72 games. But his best stretch came late. In his final 18 games, he scored eight goals and racked up 22 points, according to Gino Hard.
After joining Pittsburgh on December 29, 2025, from the Columbus Blue Jackets, Chinakhov posted 36 points in 43 games with the Penguins — 18 goals and 18 assists. The trade cost Pittsburgh forward Danton Heinen and two draft picks, per Daily Faceoff. One shadow over his season: zero points in six playoff games.
How the Penguins Got Chinakhov From Columbus
Pittsburgh acquired Chinakhov in a midseason deal with the Columbus Blue Jackets. The trade went down on December 29, 2025. The Penguins gave up forward Danton Heinen and two draft picks to get the deal done, according to Gino Hard.
The move paid off quickly. Chinakhov fit into Pittsburgh's lineup right away and gave the team a spark they badly needed. His strong finish to the regular season made the decision to re-sign him an easy one, per Daily Faceoff.
Silovs and Blomqvist Bolster a Thin Goaltending Depth Chart
Arturs Silovs signed a one-year deal worth $2.8 million. Pittsburgh got him from the Vancouver Canucks in July 2025, giving up Chase Stillman and a draft pick. Last season, Silovs went 19-12-8 in 39 games with a .887 save percentage and a 3.07 goals-against average, per Audacy.
Joel Blomqvist signed a two-year contract worth $1.75 million total. He spent last season in the AHL with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, going 16-5-4 with a .913 save percentage and a 2.40 GAA, according to Trib Live. Blomqvist will now compete with Silovs and Murashov for NHL playing time.
Pittsburgh Avoids Arbitration, Locks In Four Players at Once
By signing all four players — Chinakhov, Silovs, Blomqvist, and Gustafsson — the Penguins avoided arbitration hearings entirely, per Daily Faceoff. That gives Pittsburgh cleaner cap planning and keeps internal relationships smooth heading into the offseason.
The Chinakhov deal is the biggest of the group by far at $6.25 million per year. Gustafsson's signing adds depth at forward. Together, the four signings give Pittsburgh a clearer picture of their roster shape for next season, according to Trib Live.
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