The trade that brought Artemi Panarin to the Columbus Blue Jackets on June 23, 2017, remains a significant moment in the franchise's history, sparking considerable debate and analysis years later. In exchange for Brandon Saad, Anton Forsberg, and a fifth-round pick, the Blue Jackets acquired Panarin, Tyler Motte, and a sixth-round pick. While the immediate impact was undeniable, the long-term consequences of the trade continue to be evaluated in 2025.
At the time, the trade was viewed as a bold move by then-General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen, aimed at injecting much-needed offensive firepower into the Blue Jackets' lineup. Panarin, coming off a Calder Trophy-winning season and impressive performances with the Chicago Blackhawks alongside Patrick Kane, was expected to be a game-changer. He lived up to the hype during his tenure in Columbus, forming a dynamic duo with Cam Atkinson and elevating the team's offensive capabilities.
Panarin's impact was immediate. In his first season with the Blue Jackets, he recorded 82 points, setting a new franchise record. He brought a level of skill, creativity, and excitement that had been missing, quickly becoming a fan favorite. His second season was equally impressive, as he tallied 87 points and led the team to a historic playoff sweep of the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2019.
However, the euphoria surrounding Panarin's arrival was tempered by the knowledge that he would eventually become an unrestricted free agent. Despite the Blue Jackets' efforts to re-sign him, Panarin ultimately decided to test the free-agent market in the summer of 2019, joining the New York Rangers. This departure left a void in Columbus, raising questions about whether the initial trade was worth the short-term gain.
Looking back, the trade can be assessed from multiple angles. On one hand, Panarin's two seasons in Columbus were undoubtedly successful, providing fans with memorable moments and contributing to the team's competitiveness. The playoff sweep of the Lightning, in particular, stands out as a defining moment in franchise history, largely fueled by Panarin's brilliance.
On the other hand, the Blue Jackets were unable to capitalize on Panarin's presence to achieve sustained success. Despite making the playoffs in both seasons, they failed to advance beyond the second round. Furthermore, the departure of Panarin left a significant hole in the team's offense, one that has been difficult to fill.
The return for Panarin, Brandon Saad, also had a mixed outcome. While Saad was a productive player for the Blackhawks, he did not reach the same level of stardom as Panarin. Chicago hoped Saad would replicate his earlier success with the team, contributing to further Stanley Cup runs, but that didn't materialize. Anton Forsberg, the other player acquired by Chicago, served as a backup goaltender and did not have a significant impact.
In 2025, the Blue Jackets find themselves in a different situation. After a few seasons of rebuilding, the team is aiming to solidify their roster and become a consistent playoff contender. General Manager Don Waddell has been active in the trade market, aiming to improve the team's forward and defensive groups. Dean Evason was hired as the new head coach, and the team finished the 2024-2025 season with a 40-33-9 record, placing fourth in the Metropolitan Division.
Ultimately, the Artemi Panarin trade remains a complex and multifaceted event in Columbus Blue Jackets history. While the short-term benefits were undeniable, the long-term consequences continue to be debated. As the team moves forward, the lessons learned from this trade will likely inform future decisions as they strive to build a sustainable contender.
