The Blackhawks Artemi Panarin Trade Just Got a Whole Lot Worse

There is nothing more satisfying for a general manager than when an NHL organization secures a real gem of a player who went undrafted. It is expected that the team's management would scour leagues worldwide in an attempt to find a player who could surprise everyone and become a superstar within a few years.

This was the case when the Blackhawks discovered Artemi Panarin from Russia. He was playing in the KHL and was with SKA St Petersburg. During that time, he recorded 26 goals and 62 points in 54 games, helping Saint Petersburg win the championship.

His skill set and hockey IQ were phenomenal, prompting the Blackhawks to sign him immediately. Former Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman signed him to a two-year, $7 million contract with a cap hit of $812,500 and a signing bonus of 2.8 million.




His impact was felt immediately, and he remained with the Blackhawks for two years. With high hopes that he would stay with the team, the unthinkable happened. On June 23rd, 2017, he was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets along with Tyler Motte and a sixth-round pick in 2017 for Brandon Saad, Anton Forsberg, and a fifth-round pick in 2018.


This trade was a turning point for the Blackhawks, as Panarin became an NHL superstar and landed a seven-year, $81.5 million contract with the New York Rangers, averaging $11.642 million per season.

This season has been exceptional for Panarin, recording a point in the first 15 games, surpassing Rod Gilbert's record in 1972-73 for the sole possession of the longest season-opening run in Rangers history.


Trades like these cannot happen, and players like Panarin cannot be let go, as they are critical pieces for a team. It is highly unlikely that the Blackhawks will ever trade a player like this again as they embark on a new chapter with players like Connor Bedard and Kevin Korchinski as core members of their team.