The Blue Jackets are about to unwrap their newest toy.
In one of the most pivotal moves of the offseason, the Blue Jackets dealt away a two-way go-getter in Brandon Saad for some offensive firepower in Artemi Panarin.
By sending Saad back to his former team, the Blue Jackets acquired a talented player whose first two seasons in the NHL had a floor of 74 points. Not too shabby.
"We felt that we needed a game-breaking type of player that with individual skill will create offense, and also a guy who fits in perfectly with not only [his right hand shot], but a tremendous one-timer shot into our power play," said Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen.
"He just gives us another dimension we felt we didn't have."
Training Camp 2017
Panarin has the potential to be an instant fan favorite in Columbus. His confident style, jovial personality, and offensive mastery are now out from behind the shadow cast by Patrick Kane and ready for full display in the limelight.
Clearly, Blue Jackets management has faith in his ability to take the team to another level.
"We didn't have a guy the style of Artemi Panarin," Kekalainen said. "And that was probably the biggest reason for [the trade]."
John Tortorella, a noted dodger of sugar-coating, is quite excited to have Panarin on board.
"I think the addition of Panarin gives us a dynamic player that can make something out of nothing," Tortorella said. "I think when a player has that swagger that knows he can play, that's a really good thing for himself and it rubs off on the other people.
"I'm dying to see him (when) he gets with us."
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