Nashville and Artemi Panarin?
Paul Skrbina of The Tennessean (mailbag): Again and again, the questions are asked about Artemi Panarin and rightfully so. Should Nashville at least make an offer? Yes. What could they offer? That’s another question entirely. Panarin helps with additional scoring and power play.
Oh my, Columbus Blue Jackets?
Aaron Portzline of The Athletic: Alas, it comes down to Sergei Bobrovsky and Artemi Panarin again. Jarmo Kekalainen‘s problem is more with Bobrovsky, who has a no-move clause. He dictates where he will go. However, Bobrovsky waived that clause at the shot of an eight-year deal should he be moved.
For Panarin, expect top picks and maybe a middle-six player involved for something which can be flipped. Columbus will buy after selling to recoup their losses. Does Panarin wait till July 1st? It is more likely than Bobrovsky anyway.
Joey Alfieri of NBC Sports: As “Florida Watch” continues, the Columbus Blue Jackets struggle with two important decisions. Panarin’s return will be higher simply because of market demand. Bobrovsky features limited destinations and his play has not helped (3.01 GAA and .901 save percentage).
What About Buffalo?
John Vogt of The Athletic: Apparently, it is all about the wings. However, it may be more about acquiring a top-six center. Extending Jeff Skinner remains the priority but having a pivot to play with the younger prospects helps. Right wing still prevails as the biggest need with Sam Reinhart as the only viable, productive player there. Defensemen and prospects seem to be the way to make a trade (maybe a Nylander?). Potential trade partners include Dallas, St. Louis, New Jersey, Winnipeg, and Detroit.
Anaheim and status quo
Elliott Teaford of the OC Register: Anaheim expects to do nothing about very much. Changes will come. However, the Ducks seem content riding out the year for a better pick. They simply will continue to play out the season no matter where it may go.
A re-tool coming for the Ducks
Pierre LeBrun: The Anaheim Ducks are being exposed and there is going to be a re-tool coming.
Stone, Duchene, and Ottawa
Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun: Decision time looms for the three parties involved. Matt Duchene knows.
“The biggest thing is if I don’t have an answer for them I would expect that they’ll make a move,” Duchene said Thursday. “You can’t really afford to let guys go for nothing anymore in this league, or probably ever; you couldn’t do that. I understand that’s the situation.
The same applies to Mark Stone. Stone approaches this a bit more privately than Duchene but probably within ten days to two weeks, there will be some kind of decision moving forward.