NHL Trade Rumors: 3 teams who should trade for Artemi Panarin

By Jasmine Yen | Feb 1, 2019

COLUMBUS, OH - APRIL 19: Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Artemi Panarin (9) looks on after a missed shot during game 4 in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio on April 19, 2018. (Photo by Adam Lacy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

3 of 3

Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images /

1. Nashville Predators

Projected cap space: 7.3 million

The Nashville Predators are a massive Stanley Cup contender because of their strong defence and Vezina-calibre goaltending. And yet, this team can score as well. They average 3.1 goals a game (7th in the league) and their two top scorers come from the first line (Viktor Arvidsson and Filip Forsberg). This team is top-line heavy and the defence is counted on to put up points.

The Predators have the third-worst power play in the NHL, with a measly 13.1% success rate. In their last 7 games, they have gone 0-25. They have the third-highest power play opportunities in the league because teams can take advantage of them, knowing that they will get no retribution. In the playoffs, special teams are the major difference makers and the Predators desperately need help in that department.

Next. 5 dark horse trade candidates. dark

Enter, Artemi Panarin. He has lead the Blue Jackets in power-play goals in both seasons and is the key sniper on their power play unit, something the Predators lack. The Predators’ power play is a bunch of meaningless passes where no one has the confidence to rip a shot. Panarin instantly fixes the problem and adds scoring depth to the team. He is a scorer, but he is also defensively responsible, an aspect that the Predators would love.

For updated NHL trade rumors, check out our Rumors page.

Home/Rumors