Kyle Dubas fielded questions submitted over email after acquiring Egor Chinakhov on Monday. Here's what he said:
On Chinakhov's skillset: "What we like about Chinakhov is his size, speed, ability to get to the net with the puck, ability to shoot and score from distance, and we feel he adds a lot defensively when tracking back with speed."
On where he sees Chinakhov fitting in: "We believe Egor has the potential to become a winger who can play anywhere across the top of the lineup. That belief comes from the fact that he showed that ability on a consistent basis early last season over a long stretch of games before his season got off track for a variety of reasons. We must create the right environment, and he needs to put in the work with our staff that will allow him to be at his best very consistently."
How the Penguins can help Chinakhov improve: "He’s a young player in his early 20’s who has flashed great potential; so our development team and coaching staff will be tasked with getting his form to that level, Egor matching the work that our staff will put in to match our belief in him, and everyone working together to stay there for a long time."
On Chinakhov's public "misunderstandings" with his coach in Columbus: "Anytime a player has public issues with their team, we do a lot of digging to figure out what has truly gone on. In this case, what was more important to us was that Egor reported to camp and continued to work hard despite the opportunity not being what he wanted. As for moving forward, we expect him to earn great opportunity and then make the most of it."
If there's any concern regarding his prior back injury: "He has not missed anytime this season due to injury and has had no issue since he received treatment last year during the international break."
On if there was hesitation in parting with two higher draft picks: "No hesitation. We have a lot of draft picks and we need to use them to procure high potential young players."
On Chinakhov's availability for tomorrow: "Will be weather, travel and immigration dependent but given his current location with team (the Blue Jackets are in Ottawa) and travel needed, I would categorize his availability tomorrow as questionable. Dan will update tomorrow morning."
THE ASYLUM
Dubas on Chinakhov trade
Kyle Dubas fielded questions submitted over email after acquiring Egor Chinakhov on Monday. Here's what he said:
On Chinakhov's skillset: "What we like about Chinakhov is his size, speed, ability to get to the net with the puck, ability to shoot and score from distance, and we feel he adds a lot defensively when tracking back with speed."
On where he sees Chinakhov fitting in: "We believe Egor has the potential to become a winger who can play anywhere across the top of the lineup. That belief comes from the fact that he showed that ability on a consistent basis early last season over a long stretch of games before his season got off track for a variety of reasons. We must create the right environment, and he needs to put in the work with our staff that will allow him to be at his best very consistently."
How the Penguins can help Chinakhov improve: "He’s a young player in his early 20’s who has flashed great potential; so our development team and coaching staff will be tasked with getting his form to that level, Egor matching the work that our staff will put in to match our belief in him, and everyone working together to stay there for a long time."
On Chinakhov's public "misunderstandings" with his coach in Columbus: "Anytime a player has public issues with their team, we do a lot of digging to figure out what has truly gone on. In this case, what was more important to us was that Egor reported to camp and continued to work hard despite the opportunity not being what he wanted. As for moving forward, we expect him to earn great opportunity and then make the most of it."
If there's any concern regarding his prior back injury: "He has not missed anytime this season due to injury and has had no issue since he received treatment last year during the international break."
On if there was hesitation in parting with two higher draft picks: "No hesitation. We have a lot of draft picks and we need to use them to procure high potential young players."
On Chinakhov's availability for tomorrow: "Will be weather, travel and immigration dependent but given his current location with team (the Blue Jackets are in Ottawa) and travel needed, I would categorize his availability tomorrow as questionable. Dan will update tomorrow morning."
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