The Columbus Blue Jackets have a top ten power play performer in Artemi Panarin now. His value goes so far beyond goal scoring though.
The trade that shook up the NHL on Draft Day will shake up how opponents of the Columbus Blue Jackets plan to try and kill penalties next season. The addition of Artemi Panarin just made stopping the extra attacker much more difficult. Not only because of Panarin’s scoring ability, but because of the respect he demands.
Panarin’s reputation alone will open the power play wide open for the team. Over the last two seasons Artemi has scored 17 goals and 24 assist with the man advantage. Look for those numbers to continue with an impressive Jackets PP.
Without scoring a point yet, the Jackets have a venerable top five power play now with Panarin and stud defenseman Zach Werenski quaterbacking the unit.
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Using the Breadman
Panarin will be rolled out with the top power play unit without a doubt. The breadman will likely make his home on the half wall where it will be easy for Werenski to find him.
The defense will have to overplay Panarin, leaving 35 goal scorer Cam Atkinson a lot more room to operate. The space created by pulling the defense over to the half wall will be invaluable.
The Columbus Blue Jackets have the talent to utilize this space. The PP1 has excellent puck movers that will use the extra space to create high danger chances.
Panarin may not even touch the puck on a power play but remain highly effective. The Jackets haven’t had a scoring threat that makes NHL defenders worry like this since Rick Nash. Only problem with Nash was that there was no upper echelon talent around Nash like Panarin has now.
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With Panarin on the squad and another year of development out of Werenski and Wennberg this power play will be deadly. Don’t be surprised if the Jackets end up with a 23% conversion rate on the power play.