Former Boston Bruins forward involved in a trade for former first-round pick

Columbus received a 2026 second-round pick, a 2027 third-round pick, and former Bruins forward Danton Heinen.

The Bruins' angle is what makes this one sting. Boston had been linked to Chinakhov after he requested a trade, and there were reports the Bruins even put an offer on the table that Columbus chose not to accept.

For Pittsburgh, it's a classic upside swing. Chinakhov was a first-round pick, 21st overall in 2020, and the shot is real when he gets time and space.

For Columbus, the return is clean and practical. They add two future picks and a plug-and-play forward, with Heinen bringing experience and a steady two-way profile that coaches usually trust.

Chinakhov's path to this moment has been bumpy. He requested a trade back in July, and he leaves Columbus with six points in 29 games this season, plus a $2.1 million cap hit in the final season of his contract.

As a Bruins fan, this is the frustrating kind of miss, because the roster needs goals, and this was a young scorer who fit that exact conversation.

Even if Boston made a real push, Columbus controlled the bidding, and Pittsburgh paid with picks and a roster player to get it done.

Heinen's inclusion is the sneaky emotional part for Boston fans. It's another former Bruin moving around the league and a reminder that when trades start flying, the Bruins don't always get the guy they were linked to.

The good news is the Bruins were at least in the mix. The bad news is the player they wanted is headed to Pittsburgh, and the Bruins still have to find their scoring elsewhere.