Why Boston Can’t Trade For Artemi Panarin
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With the NHL Trade Deadline coming up on Monday, February 25th, teams are looking to load up for a playoff push in April. One team that has been rumored to make a move is the Boston Bruins. Outside of the first line, the team has lacked scoring, especially on the wings. One player that is being talked about in trade talks is Columbus Blue Jackets forward Artemi Panarin.
In 52 games this season, Patarin has recorded 21 goals, 42 assists with a plus-minus of +12. With the team in a close race in the Metropolitan Division, Patarin has been a contributor to the Blue Jackets success.
Despite coming into the NHL in 2015, Artemi Panarin has lightened up the league, having scored 25+ goals since arriving.
Outside of David Krejci, the second line for the Boston Bruins has been underwhelming. Head Coach Bruce Cassidy has tried several combinations to go with Krejci, but the team is still ranked 14th in the league with 3.00 goals per game.
With teams in the Eastern Conference like the Tampa Bay Lighting (3.88), the Toronto Maple Leafs (3.55) and the Washington Capitals (3.32) all thriving, the Bruins have had a difficult time trying to keep up.
With that in mind, adding Artemi Panarin would give Boston a better chance to match up with other powerhouses in the NHL. If Boston manages to acquire him from Columbus, where would he fit in the lineup? Knowing the type of player Panarin is, replacing David Pastrnak when he gets back from his injury on the first line and demoting Pastrnak to the second line is not out of the question. The problem with that involves the first line of Patrice Bergeron, Brad Marchand and David Pastrnak. Despite how effective of a goal scorer Panarin is, the best place for him is on the second line with David Krejci.
Since Panarin is a big-time player, the price tag for him is not going to come cheap, Columbus will likely ask for the teams best young players in Jake Debrusk, Danton Heinen, Anders Bjork, alongside a first-round pick.
Is it worth the price tag for the Boston Bruins, considering Panarin will be a free agent after this season?
If Boston realizes that giving that much for Panarin is overwhelming, there are other players on the trade market right now. Prime examples include Wayne Simmonds, Mark Stone, Ryan Dzingel, and Tyler Toffoli. While none of these options are going to make the same impact that Patarin would, any of them would help improve the second line. All in all, unless the Bruins are investing their future into Patarin, this deal scenario will likely blow over.
Featured Image: AP Photo/Karl B DeBlaker
