Columbus Blue Jackets superstar Artemi Panarin proving that he doesn’t need, Kane to produce at an elite level.
After the blockbuster trade between the Columbus Blue Jackets and Chicago Blackhawks, the hockey world wondered. Could Artemi Panarin perform without Patrick Kane? Would Panarin and coach John Tortorella but heads? Would Panarin like playing in a small market?
Wow, were those questions stupid in hindsight.
Panarin has not only performed without Kane, he has outperformed the former Hart trophy winner and set career highs. Last season Panarin put up incredible numbers. He posted 31 goals and 43 assist for a 77 point season. This season, with two games remaining, he has 80 points.
He has a chance to eclipse 30 goals for the third straight season and has set the Columbus Blue Jackets franchise record for points in a season. Panarin also has set the assist record for the Columbus Blue Jackets at 53 with some games left to extend that record. That number is also six higher than his previous career high when he had Kane on his line.
Columbus Blue Jackets
Kane on the other hand has gone from 89 points with Panarin on his line, to 74 points this season. He also is an abysmal -18 this season and will be hitting the links in early April.
I think its safe to say that the Breadman is just fine without Kane on his wing and perhaps the question should be flipped. Will Kane be able to bounce back next season without Artemi Panarin?
At 29, Kane will continue to be an excellent player for several more seasons, but it points out a perception of the Columbus Blue Jackets and Panarin that I think will die after this season. The Jackets are a legitimate organization with top flight talent.
They are no longer just some cute team that made a nice trade that may not work out because they lack other talent. They from here on out will be viewed as contenders for the next five seasons because of their top flight talent like Panarin.
Panarin is the star this team needed to go to the next level. And in Columbus he has proven that he doesn’t need anyone to be elite.