In the light of trade bringing in Yegor Chinakhov from the Columbus Blue JacketsTHE Pittsburgh Penguins will have to free up a spot on the roster to allow him to join the team.
And it appears that decision is in the works.
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The Penguins designated defenseman Ryan Graves non-list on Monday with plans to place him on waivers on Tuesday. The move would free up space for Chinakhov to join the NHL roster ahead of Pittsburgh’s game against the Carolina Hurricanes Tuesday.
This will be the second time this season that Graves has been placed on waivers, having been waived on October 4 after Penguins training camp.
Penguins acquired Chinakhov from Columbus in exchange for a 2026 second-round pick, a 2027 third-round pick and forward Danton Heinen, who was designated as non-roster for waiver purposes before the Penguins’ game against the Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday. Chinakhov, 24, has three goals and six points in 29 games with the Blue Jackets this season.
Graves, 30, is in the third year of a six-year contract that pays him $4.5 million per season, and he was called up from the AHL on Nov. 4. In 17 games with Pittsburgh this season, he has scored one goal and is minus-4.
BREAKING: Penguins acquire Chinakhov from Blue Jackets for Heinen, two draft picks
