It doesn't take long for Bread to rise.
Columbus Blue Jackets forward Artemi Panarin is proof of that. Almost immediately when joining the team, he made a difference. That isn't hyperbole either; Panarin had three points in his first game for the Blue Jackets against the New York Islanders.
His offensive impact is almost unmatched on the Blue Jackets. The team hasn't had a player that has made such a difference in the scoring department since Rick Nash.
Panarin has done all of this in only one season of play, and it's frightening to think he's not even having his best season in the league. He's going to break some personal records including shots and possibly in CF% as well, and is also within range on his career-best in assists. Those won't get near the league's best, but when taking into account the other players on the team, it's a stark, stark difference.
The point is: the Blue Jackets would be absolutely nowhere without him. Does it mean that he's deserving of the Hart Trophy? Well, when you look at the definition, it does fit Panarin.
From NHL.com:
The Hart Memorial Trophy is an annual award given to the player judged to be the most valuable to his team.
It's tough to argue when this is the description, but it also opens up a can of worms for other players as well. Taylor Hall means a lot to the New Jersey Devils as he continues to put up points in bunches and keeps them in the Eastern Conference wild card race. The Edmonton Oilers are terrible this year, but could you imagine if they didn't have Connor McDavid, who is going to get over 100 points this season?
By the very definition, Panarin has a shot at the award and for a player that is having an exemplary season, he deserves recognition of some sort. If awards won't be showered on him, a playoff run would be a good substitution.
The Blue Jackets have been a mix of role players in past seasons and have had goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky carrying them most of the way. While Bobrovsky's act has continued into this season, Panarin has shown that with a timely goal, goaltending isn't the end all be all. It isn't a position that many onlookers of the Blue Jackets are used to.
Value is tough to judge – especially in a league with so many special players. Panarin is one of those players and will have his day in the sun while with the Blue Jackets. It should happen sooner rather than later. He deserves it.
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