CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP, Pa. — As the Pittsburgh Penguins continue preparations for the upcoming NHL season, one player has emerged as a standout during training camp sessions at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex. Forward Egor Chinakhov, who joined the Penguins midway through last season, is demonstrating significant progress and appears poised to play a key role for the team.
Chinakhov, 25, arrived in Pittsburgh after a stint with the Columbus Blue Jackets and quickly made an impact. Last season, he scored 18 goals in 43 games with the Penguins, earning a three-year contract extension in the offseason. Since training camp began on Sept. 21, Chinakhov has displayed his notable speed and shooting ability, drawing attention from teammates and coaches alike.
“He can do it all,” said teammate Tommy Novak, who has observed Chinakhov’s development firsthand. Novak noted that although he was initially unaware of Chinakhov’s full potential, other players around the league had assured him the forward was “the real deal.” Novak praised Chinakhov’s combination of speed and shooting prowess as standout attributes.
Chinakhov attributed his strong conditioning to dedicated summer training, saying the individual nature of offseason workouts presented challenges but ultimately left him feeling ready for the rigors of the season. His performance in conditioning drills, including daily wind sprints, highlighted his physical preparedness, often leaving other players behind.
During camp, Chinakhov has been skating alongside star center Evgeni Malkin and Novak, forming what could be one of the Penguins’ top forward lines. Chinakhov expressed enthusiasm about this linemate combination, saying, “I want to play with Geno and Tommy. We just feed off each other.” Malkin, Novak, and Chinakhov each signed contracts over the summer, adding stability to the group.
While line configurations in training camp can be fluid, the trio has been consistently paired in drills over several days, suggesting the coaching staff is considering starting the season with this unit. The opening game is scheduled for Sept. 30 against the Philadelphia Flyers.
An incident at Saturday’s practice underscored both Chinakhov’s competitive edge and his growing comfort within the team. During a shooting drill, Chinakhov’s wrist shot accidentally struck Malkin in the leg, causing the veteran forward to briefly fall to the ice in visible pain. Malkin returned to practice shortly afterward, and Chinakhov stayed focused, continuing to score multiple times.
“He’s all right,” Chinakhov said with a smile following the episode.
As the Penguins prepare for the new season, Chinakhov’s progress and chemistry with key linemates offer a promising sign for the team’s offensive depth. With his recent performance and renewed confidence, Chinakhov appears ready to build on last year’s successes and contribute significantly in the months ahead.