Columbus Blue Jackets: Previewing Artemi Panarin’s 2017-18 Season
The first taste of Artemi Panarin in a Columbus Blue Jackets sweater was given to us on Wednesday in his introductory press conference. After a day filled with smiles, he’s ready to get going with his new team.
Artemi Panarin’s electric style of play will give the Columbus Blue Jackets as dynamic of a player as they’ve ever had. Likely to play on the first line, Panarin immediately became the most skilled player on the Blue Jackets roster.
Along with Alexander Wennberg, and whoever claims the RW spot (probably Nick Foligno), the potential is as high for this line as the most elite ones in the NHL. It may not happen right away, but these three are sure to click at some point during the season.
The 25-year old Russian has scored 151 points in 162 NHL games thus far. Another 70-point season is definitely within reach in his first year in Columbus.
Speed, skill and smiles
Three things that Artemi Panarin will bring to Columbus are his high-end skill, impressive skating and, as we saw in the press conference, more smiles.
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What makes Panarin differ from the likes of Brandon Saad is he is better at getting teammates involved. He and Wennberg will be passing the puck all over the place, and hey, maybe it’ll allow Wennberg to shoot more.
Panarin’s all-around game will give him a smooth transition to the Blue Jackets. A one dimensional player may have more difficulty adjusting, but Panarin so skilled that he will fit right in. No matter the situation, expect Artemi Panarin on the ice a lot this season.
Aside from his talent, he brings a positive attitude to the table. This should sit well with John Tortorella, as he’s known to sit star players if they deserve it.
Don’t worry about this happening with Panarin, though. He has the tools to avoid this situation and be the top tier player that the Blue Jackets need.
Prediction: 68 points (28 G, 40 A), +13 and > 5 SPG (smiles per game)
He may very well eclipse these numbers, but about 28 goals and 40 assists seems reasonable this season. A +/- of 13 is about where he will end up factoring in a lot of tough matchups with other top line players.
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As far as the smiles are concerned, we should see at least a few each game. Once Blue Jackets fans are used to the way Panarin plays, he won’t be the only one smiling so much.