New York Islanders: What It Would Take To Trade For Artemi Panarin

The New York Islanders are on Artemi Panarin’s trade list. What would it take for the Islanders to land the dynamic winger?

Artemi Panarin is one of the best young wingers in the game. Since an extension with Columbus seems unlikely at this point he has given a list of teams he deems suitable to be traded to and the New York Islanders are on that list.

The Isles are in a bit of a shell shock position, as John Tavares’ departure caught people off guard. Adding a point per game player like Panarin can pay huge dividends to this team.

With one more year left on his deal, Artemi is a challenging trade to nail down. If it’s a rental (or a deal that doesn’t include a contract) it’ll be something much less of course. But, if it includes an eight-year extension, Columbus can ask for the moon.

The Rental/No-Contract Package

It’s a steep price to pay for no guarantee of a long-term deal. Keep in mind, Panarin put up 82 points (27 goals, 55 assists) last year in his first year with the Jackets. Someone who has a Calder under their belt and two 30 goal seasons is going to yield a large return.

Here’s what a forward lineup could look like after the trade

Panarin – Barzal – Eberle

Lee – Beauvillier – Bailey

Bellows – Filppula – Ladd

Komarov – Cizikas – Clutterbuck

Beauvillier would go back to his natural position of center. Bellows makes the team out of camp as your third line left wing and your top line instantly becomes one of the best’s in the entire league.

But, there’s the risk that he doesn’t sign.

The Contract Included Package

This trade looks a little different. The two picks are going to remain the same but the Islanders have to change up the player package a little bit. Jordan Eberleand Brock Nelson are included in the trade to help the Blue Jackets in the immediate future, with Kieffer Bellows as the future.

In return, the Islanders get a third-round pick, for upping the deal with two top NHL caliber players and an elite prospect, and Artemi Panarin on an eight-year $72 million contract ($9 million AAV).

Your lines can look something like this:

Panarin – Barzal – Bailey

Lee – Beauvillier – Ho-Sang

Ladd – Filppula – Komarov

Martin – Cizikas – Clutterbuck

That fixes your logjam of forwards. Losing Eberle is unfortunate, but if you are extending Panarin there’s no way you can fit Panarin, Lee, and Eberle under the same cap. Plus when you throw in Kieffer Bellows too it’s difficult because he can be a great player in this league, but you have to give to get and the Isles are getting a dynamic scorer for nine years.

I’m salivating over the thought of a Panarin – Barzal – Wahlstrom line for 2019. It’s almost unfathomable the things they would be able to do.

Adding a player like Panarin makes the Islanders a playoff hopeful for 2018-2019 and helps replace the sting of losing John Tavares. Lou Lamoriello has 15 forwards with an NHL contract right now, something’s going to have to change, why not for an elite level wing.