NHL
After a career year with Columbus, Artemi Panarin looks at playing for the Panthers next season.
Columbus Blue Jackets forward Artemi Panarin is arguably one of the best forwards in the National Hockey League. Finishing two 70+ point seasons with Chicago and finishing this season with a career high 82 points proves the “Breadman” is a force to be reckoned with. However, according to Elliotte Friedman, Panarin has stated interest in joining the young and rising Florida Panthers.
What may have sparked the initial interest is Panthers winger and former teammate Evgenii Dadonov. Panarin played with Dadonov in the KHL for SKA Petersburg in 2015 and was Dadonov’s line mate for Team Russia at the 2016 World Cup of Hockey. This shows that the chemistry has already developed between the two Russians. As a result of this bond, Artemi could be put on the Cat’s top line with Dadonov and Alexander Barkov upon his arrival to Sunrise.
In addition, Florida is also currently looking for someone in the goal scoring department. Landing Panarin immediately fixes that issue, and this is only his peak. In addition, Artemi would compliment their solid young core consisting of forwards Vincent Trochek, Johnathan Huberdeau, and Nick Bjugstad.
However, the biggest hardship the Panthers face in landing the Russian superstar would be their big cap issue. Panarin’s current deal is worth $6 million and will likely ask for a new contract due to his recent production. Entering this season, the Panthers have the worst remaining cap space in the National Hockey League with $3.85 million. As a result, the Cats would struggle to land Panarin.
In additon, Florida will struggle in keeping their current restricted free agents. The Cats would have to shed a couple of contracts and potentially make a big trade to make room for such a deal.
