NHL
*NOTE* This article was written by a former TSJ writer.
When a viewer thinks about all of the true superstars in the NHL, there is always a commitment from their franchise to surround them with players who will help them achieve greatness and cement their legacy by winning Stanley Cups. Artemi Panarin could be another in a long list of superstars capable of leading a team to the Stanley Cup.
As with any superstar, the franchise they belong to must surround them with talent and scorers to help them. The franchise as a whole must also commit to their leader. Columbus has done no such thing.
There has been recent news that Panarin is not willing to sign a contract extension with the Blue Jackets. Jarmo Kekalainen is reportedly also shopping him around, looking for potential trading partners. For a player who was a point per game player and instrumental in leading his team to the playoffs, this seems harsh.
Wise spending is necessary
Just like with any key player, talent needs to be brought in around them through the draft, as well as free agency. Money needs to be wisely spent to allow a superstar time and space to provide the scoring needed to win games. Edmonton is a prime example of a team that could have problems with too much money tied into a few players.
Connor McDavid ($12.5 million), Leon Draisaitl ($8.5 million), and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Milan Lucic at $6 million apiece seems like a hefty price to pay for such a small return.
Columbus needs to commit to the future with Panarin. They should offer him that long contract with large monetary value. However, they also need to prove that they are looking for a complete supporting cast to pair with him. A prime example of an opportunity wasted is the rumors were that the Oilers were shopping the number 10 pick.
If Columbus trades up and selects a pure scorer with a wicked shot like Oliver Wahlstrom, the Blue Jackets have an extremely dynamic duo upfront to go along with a strong defensive corps and a Vezina winning goaltender in Sergei Bobrovsky.
Most of the pieces are in place for Columbus. However, if Panarin leaves the city because Kekalainen was unwilling to offer him support, what started out as a puzzle with a piece or two here and there missing starts over as a blank slate.
Artemi Panarin and his supporting cast must be the focus of Columbus for the near future.
