Dallas Stars: Would Artemi Panarin Be Worth the Cost?

The Dallas Stars are in need of scoring depth. Artemi Panarin has reportedly refused to negotiate a new contract with the Blue Jackets before the season starts. He’d certainly be a good fit to improve the team, but the Stars may not want to go that route.

Despite being in on several big names this off-season, the Dallas Stars have yet to make a big move. They may not make one at all at this point, but Panarin would certainly count if they went after him.

There are a few aspects to consider in considering a potential trade with Columbus.

Panarin’s Ability to Help

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Panarin had a great couple of seasons with the Blackhawks when he and Patrick Kane found amazing chemistry together, but he was shipped out to the Blue Jackets so that the Blackhawks could get Brandon Saad back. Panarin’s new contract was expensive, so the team decided they’d rather have Saad back instead at that cost. Panarin was good, but Saad was meant to be a major piece of their future.

Last season, Panarin had 27 goals and 82 points. He had more points in Columbus last year than he did on a line with Kane when Kane took home the Art Ross. If that’s what he can do for the Blue Jackets, there’s no reason to believe he couldn’t come to Dallas and help things.

If the Stars brought in Panarin, he’d most likely slot in on the left side of the second line behind Jamie Benn. That second line was a mess last season with Martin Hanzal injured while Jason Spezza struggled and was often relegated to play wing. Panarin on a line combined with a returning, more mature Valeri Nichushkin and a healthy Hanzal would be able to provide some of the scoring the Stars are seriously lacking.

Salary Cap

Panarin’s cap hit is something that definitely has to be taken into consideration. $6M is not outrageous, especially for a guy who’s been scoring roughly a point per game. It’s also for just one year, so if it doesn’t pan out, the Stars wouldn’t be stuck with a long-term deal. They could re-evaluate next summer, after Tyler Seguin’s future contract is hopefully sorted out, and either let him walk or re-sign him after seeing how things go.

The Dallas Stars are sitting on about $8.37M in cap space right now, but they still have deals for Gemel Smith and Mattias Janmark to figure out. There’s got to be something going back in the Panarin deal to help offset his cap, but it doesn’t necessarily need to be a big contract. The Stars could also potentially agree to retaining some of Spezza’s contract if the Blue Jackets were willing to go for that with some other pieces thrown in.

What the Stars Would Give Up

The cap hit could reasonably work and there’s not much of a question on if Panarin would help, but the real question boils down to this: would it be worth what the Stars would have to give up?

If the Stars could move Spezza, even with retained salary, and add a draft pick or two plus a roster player like Devin Shore, the deal would probably be worth it, especially if they could work out keeping Panarin on a reasonable longer deal after.

If the Blue Jackets are asking after someone like Miro Heiskanen, it’s unquestionably not worth it. Panarin is a solid player and he’ll help, but he’s not at the same level that Heiskanen will probably end up at. If the Stars aren’t willing to part with Heiskanen for Erik Karlsson, they definitely won’t (and shouldn’t) be willing to part with him for Panarin.

If the Blue Jackets aren’t particularly interested in picks or young players, and instead they really just want a proven and reliable NHL player who can come in and help them push into the playoffs now, then Dallas probably won’t be their trading partner.

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At the end of the day, it’s only worth it for the Stars if they can give up some picks or prospects and move a contract out of the way. There’s probably not something Nill’s willing to give up that the Blue Jackets are interested in enough to make the trade work.

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