The Columbus Blue Jackets are going to have to trade Artemi Panarin.
The Russian left winger, who was not drafted and who came over from the KHL at 23 to become one of the best players in the NHL, has said he will not sign a long term extension with Columbus.
This is unfortunate for Columbus, but really exciting for whichever team trades for him.
Given the Coyotes have a ton of tradale young players, I think that if they wanted to, they could probably put together a really nice package.
The risk would be huge, because he might walk at the end of the year, but almost every player who comes to Arizona wants to stay.
The Coyotes are in need of a forward comparable to what they've got in net and on the blue line. (Raanta and Ekman-Larsson). Sure, they've got some nice young players (Keller, Hayton, Strome, Pelini) but no one who projects to Panarin's level - which is probably a top ten player in the NHL - maybe higher.
Dylan Strome and a couple firsts?
Strome, Perlini, a first and Christian Dvorak?
Strome and Chychrun?
Hayton, a first, Chychrun and Fischer?
If he'd talk extension before the trade, you could consider Clayton Keller.
The Coyotes have so many combo's of players they could use to make this trade. If Columbus is going to trade Panarin, the Coyotes should go all-in to get it done. There isn't a player on their roster- other than Ekman-Larsson - who I would not include in a trade to get Panarin.
A team with Panarin, OEL and Raanta could do some damage. With Panarin, the Coyotes are a contender.
Washington Capitals Blogger • 
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