Chinakhov has had to deal with some injuries since coming to North America from Russia in 2021. That included a back strain that forced him to miss all of the 2023-24 preseason, as well as the first 10 games of the regular season. Since returning, Chinakhov has played 12 games and has two goals and four points.
Chinakhov told reporters last night that he considered returning home during his rookie season in 2021, like his teammate Voronkov. However, he decided he wants to make it in the NHL. Whether that's with Columbus, or another team, remains to be seen.