Chicago and Columbus swing another Blockbuster

Neil Parker

2017-06-23

Artemi Panarin - USA TODAY Sports Images

 

The Columbus Blue Jackets acquired Artemi Panarin, Tyler Motte and a sixth-round selection in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft in exchange for Brandon Saad, Anton Forsberg and a fifth-round pick in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft on Friday.

This deal came on the heels of Chicago making a three-player swap with Arizona.

 

What the Blue Jackets Receive

Panarin has established himself as an elite scorer over the past two seasons with 61 goals and 151 points through 162 games. He's been an elite drive of possession with a 54.1 Corsi For percentage at five-on-five, and the winger has also proven to be a dangerous weapon with the man advantage after collecting 41 power-play points the past two seasons. The 25-year-old Russian is also in the heart of his offensive prime.

Motte was an offensive star at the University of Michigan during his final season in 2015-16 but struggled to translate his success to the professional ranks last year. He posted just 10 goals and 16 points through 43 AHL games, but he did cut his chops at the highest level with four goals and seven points over 33 games with the Blackhawks. The offensive upside is there, but Motte likely still has some development ahead, and will probably always have an uphill battle because of his 5-foot-9 stature.

 

What the Blackhawks Receive

Saad is a familiar face and two-time Stanley Cup winner with Chicago. Through two seasons with Columbus, Saad has demonstrated high-end scoring ability at five-on-five with a sixth-ranked 1.07 goals and 12th-ranked 2.14 points per 60 minutes among all skaters with at least 2,000 minutes. Unfortunately, his power-play opportunities were limited with Columbus, and Saad recorded just 11 points with the man advantage over the past two seasons. He also brings a complete game and owns the power-speed combo to take his game to another level in the power-forward mold.

Forsberg is a capable No. 2 goalie with upside to develop into a starter. He's posted a solid .923 save percentage and 2.22 GAA through 126 career AHL games and owns a coveted 6-foot-3 frame. With nothing left to prove in the minors, the 24-year-old netminder settles in as a solid backup for No. 1 Corey Crawford.

 

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Fantasy Impact

Panarin could see a slight decline in offensive numbers, but it wouldn't be shocking if he posted another 70-point campaign. The Blue Jackets have a gifted offensive attack, and his addition to their No. 1 power-play unit should be an instant huge hit. He could also become a ripe fantasy value on draft day because there will be plenty of doubts that over attribute Panarin's offensive success to Patrick Kane.

Additionally, Panarin helps the fantasy value of Alexander Wennberg, and whoever lines up on the opposite flank. A trio of Wennberg-Panarin-Cam Atkinson could do significant damage.

Motte probably takes a virtual hit with his relocation to Ohio. He had a better chance of carving out a role with Chicago than with the Blues Jackets. In seasonal leagues, it would be surprising to see him receive enough meaningful offensive minutes to move the fantasy needle. He might not even crack the NHL roster.

 

Saad has posted three consecutive 20-goal, 50-points seasons and enters his age-25 campaign next fall, so another leap in production is within reach. He should receive power-play looks with the No. 1 unit while also logging career-high minutes with the top-heavy Blackhawks. Everything sets up for a true breakout campaign for Saad, and a high-end fantasy return could be in store if he plays consistently with Patrick Kane at even strength.

Forsberg checks out as Corey Crawford handcuff and is now a solid depth goaltender in all fantasy formats. He projects to receive approximately 24 starts and should prove to be a valuable option when receiving the starting nod. Of course, because of heavily scheduled game nights and the likelihood of facing a few daunting opponents, Forsberg might only be useful for 75 percent of those starts. Still, he was fighting for backup duty previously, and now he's locked in as one, so it's a huge value boost.

 

 

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