Yegor Chinakov, Columbus

Maybe Jarmo Kekalainen knew what he was doing a¢er all.

Columbus’s wily general manager stunned observers – and le¢ broadcasters scrambling through their notes – when he announced Chinakov as the team’s first pick, 21st overall, at the 2020 NHL Dra¢. e winger was largely overlooked by the pundits leading up to the dra¢ – one notably said on the air,“I have no idea who he is.”

Even the player was caught off guard by the pick. “I was in shock, too,” Chinakov said. It was a bold call, but Kekalainen believed his scouts when they made their pitch.“eir list is the most important thing. One thing I’ve learned over the years is that if you want a guy and he’s really the only guy that you have that high and separates himself from the other group of players that’s still available, you take him.”

Chinakov began proving the wisdom of the decision by putting together a solid rookie season in the KHL, scoring 10 goals and 17 points in 32 games with Omsk Avangard, and playing a top-six role for Russia at the 2021 World Juniors.

He then turned heads by making the Blue Jackets out of training camp this fall, and while the return of Max Domi means he could be splitting time between Columbus and AHL Cleveland, it’s only a matter of time before he makes his presence felt.

“He’s a player we see a tremendous upside with,” Kekalainen said. “We think he’s going to be (a top-six) player in the National Hockey League.”

Columbus collector William Turner doesn’t see that happening this season but thinks Chinakov will do enough to make the hobby take notice.“I don’t think he’ll do enough to be in the Calder race ... but with his shot he’s going to make the highlight reels,” Turner said. “I think he’s going to grab a lot of people’s attention. He’s definitely going to make it fun going to Jackets games again.”

Chinakov’s first cards are expected this season.