1. Artemi Panarin
“The Dallas Stars need a second line scorer.”
There likely hasn’t been another one-liner that has dominated the Stars’ 2018 offseason more frequently than the one listed above. And in a sense, it’s true.
Jim Nill insisted on July 1 that he believed in the young forwards on the Dallas roster and their ability to fill the void that was all too present during much of the 2017-18 season. But is going out on a limb the best thing to do before the season gets underway? Only time will tell.
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If they are in the market for a forward, though, a name likely on their list is Artemi Panarin. The Columbus Blue Jackets winger is in the perfect situation to be dealt at the moment and could be the lockdown piece that Dallas needs on their second line.
As July 1 neared, Panarin informed the Blue Jackets that he was not ready to talk about an extension at the current time. Considering he will be a UFA in the summer of 2019, this isn’t good news for Columbus. They have pointed out that contract talks could eventually start up later on into the year, but there are reports that the team is shopping him as well. After all, if he doesn’t want to sign a contract now and lock down his future, why would he in 11 months unless Columbus wins the Stanley Cup?
It looks as though the Blue Jackets may be looking for a buyer of their short-term investment (they acquired him in the summer of 2017) in order to at least get something significant in return.
If that is the case, the Dallas Stars would be wise to get in line.
Blue Line Station
The thing about Panarin is that he is just 26 years old. He’s only been in the NHL for three years, playing two with Chicago and one with Columbus. His minutes have increased steadily from 18:31 to 20:08 over the three seasons, and that’s solely due to his production.
Panarin is nearly a point-per-game player, tallying 151 career points in 162 games. His goal totals ring in at 30, 31, and 27 in his three seasons. Meanwhile, the point totals go 77, 74, 82. So, an 82-point performance in 81 games last season along with a +23 rating is something to marvel at.
He’s a young and elite right winger that can get creative in the offensive zone both with setting up and cashing in on scoring chances. His threats also stretch to the power play, where he had seven goals and 21 points last season.
If Dallas were to trade for him, it would likely come with an affirmation that Panarin would be interested in signing an extension with the team. With new head coach Jim Montgomery entering the fold and preaching possession and relentless offensive pressure, it might be just the system for Panarin.
There have not been any official connections between the Stars and “The Breadman” just yet, but that doesn’t mean much. Nill is a GM that enjoys playing things close to the chest, so don’t rule anything out just yet.
But dang it if adding Panarin to the second line wouldn’t revitalize Jason Spezza and only further unleash Janmark’s goal scoring potential. Good heavens…