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Toronto Maple Leafs Rumours: Artemi Panarin

By Josh Tessler

COLUMBUS, OH - APRIL 23: Artemi Panarin #9 of the Columbus Blue Jackets skates against the Washington Capitals in Game Six of the Eastern Conference First Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs on April 23, 2018 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/NHLI via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Artemi Panarin
COLUMBUS, OH - APRIL 23: Artemi Panarin #9 of the Columbus Blue Jackets skates against the Washington Capitals in Game Six of the Eastern Conference First Round during the 2018 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs on April 23, 2018 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/NHLI via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Artemi Panarin /
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The Toronto Maple Leafs could potentially add Columbus Blue Jackets winger, Artemi Panarin via trade.

On the NHL Network this weekend, Elliotte Friedman suggested that the Toronto Maple Leafs – since they are a team ‘going for it next year’ – may be interested in Panarin.

Last season was a great one for Panarin. In 81 games played, he registered 27 goals, 55 assists, 7 PPG, 21 PPP and a 11.8 S%. Panarin is one of the best players in the NHL and if he was added to the Leafs they would be stacked.

While he had a solid season, it doesn’t seem like he’s enjoying his time in Ohio. The native of Korkino, Russia has made it clear that he doesn’t want to sign an extension with the Blue Jackets. This has been one tough pill to swallow for Blue Jackets general manager, Jarmo Kekäläinen.

Recently, Kekäläinen flew to France to meet with Panarin during his vacation. The goal was to convince Panarin to sign a new deal, but instead Kekäläinen was on a flight back after a 45 minute conversation, per a report from Igor Eronko of NHL.com Russian Edition. He likely spent more time at Charles de Gualle Airport or Orly Airport than his meeting with his Russian winger.

With talks going absolutely nowhere, Kekäläinen has to make a decision. Does he trade Panarin or keep him for this year and let him walk July 1st, 2019?

It’s not an easy decision, since the Blue Jackets have made it to the playoffs the last two seasons. Plus, they’ll most likely make it back to the playoffs this season.

If Kekäläinen does decide to trade Panarin, he could find an interest from Kyle Dubas and the Toronto Maple Leafs. Since taking over as general manager for Lou Lamoriello, Dubas has looked like a success coming out of the gate. His first major free agent signing was all-star, John Tavares.

Panarin

Per CapFriendly.com, Panarin’s contract ends after this season. For this season, his cap hit would be 6 million USD.

The Leafs likely would not be able to re-sign him, so if the Leafs traded for him, it would be in a rental capacity only.  Depending on the assets headed the other way, this would be an amazing addition to a team that already has Tavares and Matthews.  The Leafs would arguably have three of the NHL’s top ten players.

But the cost is going to be significant.  It’s unlikely to happen, as the Leafs could probably use their capital and cap room to improve areas of weakness instead of loading up on offense.  Still, when you’re adding a player who is elite, you’re improving your team.  It would be unconventional, but it would also be awesome.

Imagine putting out the following combos:  Matthews/Panarin, Tavares/Marner, Kadri/Nylander.

It’ll be interesting to see what Dubas does. If the Toronto Maple Leafs do add Panarin, no one will want to face the Maple Leafs offense.

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stats from NHL.com, research from capfriendly.com

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