The Pittsburgh Penguins have extended the Russian forward, as the news of a Egor Chinakhov contract, as well as contracts for the two goalies in Arturs Silovs and Joel Blomqvist, all happened today. Chinakhov is a three-year deal, while the one for Silovs is a one-year contract, and the Blomqvist deal is for two years. Furthermore, Chinakhov’s carries an average annual value of $6.25 million, while Silovs will see him earn $2.8 million. Chinakhov was a mid-season acquisition of President of Hockey Operations, Kyle Dubas. Moreover, Silovs was acquired from the Vancouver Canucks last July. Finally, with Blomqvist, the first year is a two-way deal that sees him earn either $850,000 or $225,000, depending on whether he’s in the NHL or AHL. The second year is a one-way deal at $900,000. Let’s discuss what these deals mean.
A Silovs, a Blomqvist, and a Chinakhov Contract for Dubas and the Penguins
Let’s start with Chinakhov. The 25-year-old forward, formerly of the Columbus Blue Jackets, was a first-round pick in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, chosen 21st overall. Reaching a high of 16 goals and 29 points in 53 games with the Blue Jackets during the 2023-24 season, Chinakhov gradually declined in production and opportunity in Columbus. He was the first instance of Kyle Dubas’ philosophy regarding building the Penguins, using the team’s glut of assets for players in their mid-20s. He was moved for forward Danton Heinen, a 2026 second-round pick and 2027 third-round pick, and quickly flourished in Pittsburgh.
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A New Home in Pittsburgh
#Pens re-sign Yegor Chinakhov to 3 x $6.25M AAV extension and Arturs Silovs to a 1 x $2.8M deal
— NHL News (@PuckReportNHL) July 5, 2026
Egor Chinakhov quickly found a new home in Pittsburgh. He scored a career high of 18 goals and 36 points through 43 games with the black and gold. He and franchise legend Evgeni Malkin had near instant chemistry together, and alongside two-way forward Thomas Novak, formed a dangerous second line of attack behind all-time great Sidney Crosby and his top line. With his new contract, Chinakhov figures to be a piece of the puzzle for the Penguins going forward.
While Malkin is likely to retire at the end of the season or within the next couple of years, the Penguins have been angling to ensure competitiveness for years to come. The team has brought in players like Ben Kindel, a two-way forward with play-making ability. Meanwhile, a number of the team’s young guns and prospects, such as Ville Koivunen, Rutger McGroarty, Bill Zonnon or Will Horcoff project as two-way forwards or power forwards. Goal-scoring ability is a notable deficiency past veterans like Rickard Rakell, Evgeni Malkin or Bryan Rust. This is where Egor Chinakhov becomes a big piece going forward, as the Russian star has an opportunity to become the organization’s go-to triggerman for the long-term.
Along With the Chinakhov Contract, What about Silovs, Blomqvist?
This is just more solid hockey moves by Dubas. Silovs has shown to have a lot of upside, and Blomqvist is an up-and-comer. He will likely get some time to develop, as Sergei Murashov is likely ahead of him for spots come training camp, but there is lots to be decided.
Silovs still only has 58 games of regular season experience under his belt. However, he posted consistent numbers last year. In 39 games, he went 19-12-8, with two shutouts. He also had a 3.07 goals-against average, with an .887 save percentage. He should be the front-runner for the start job, at least to start, as Stuart Skinner had signed with the Winnipeg Jets in free agency.
Murashov got his feet wet in the NHL last year, so they could very well be the one-two tandem, to start 2026-27 in Pittsburgh. He played five games for the big club. He is a very talented goaltender and will get a great shot this year. Finally, for Blomqvist, he’s close, but another year in the AHL should benefit him. For comparison, Mursahov was 24-9-4 in the AHL last year, carrying a .919 save percentage. Blomqvist was 16-5-4, and a .913 save percentage, so needless to say, they will all be pushing each other hard come camp.
Dubas has definitely been tinkering with a Penguin team that made the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The moves have been good so far, and today’s signings just add to the confidence he has in the group.
Main Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
