Bruins' perfect pitch to land Panarin revealed - and it's a doozy!

The trade deadline is less than three weeks away and there is no doubt that Columbus Blue Jackets star forward Artemi Panarin remains the biggest trade bait out there. 

Panarin and teammate Sergei Bobrovsky have been the topic of every Blue Jackets discussion since the summer. Both players contracts are up at the end of the season, and both players do not seem likely to re-sign, which makes it plausible that GM Jarmo Kekalainen would look to move them before the trade deadline in order to get something in return. 

Speaking of which, as you all guessed, the price to land Panarin is expected to be astronomical. The Boston Bruins, who have made it clear are looking to add a major offensive boost, are said to be in the mix to make a play on the Russian star. Well, Bruins insider Fluto Shinzawa of the Athletic just revealed how much it would cost Boston to acquire Panarin, and it's a doozy. 

One executive believed Columbus’ demand from the Bruins would require three pieces — their 2019 first-round pick and two prospects (a high-end kid and a secondary youngster). For the latter, the executive mentioned Trent Frederic, the 20-year-old who, after five games, shows the makings of a second- or third-line NHL center.

It means the stud prospect would be someone even higher on the Bruins’ organizational depth chart.

One scout, when asked of the Bruins’ assets, noted that everyone wants DeBrusk. The 22-year-old would be close to a non-starter for the Bruins to include in any deal because of his speed, skill and rambunctious style.

Bjork, the scout pointed out, is off the table because of shoulder surgery. It would leave Donato, the 22-year-old shoot-first wing, as the Bruins’ best trade chip up front.

On the back end, the scout preferred Urho Vaakanainen over Jeremy Lauzon and Jakub Zboril.

Can you imagine the Bruins parting with this much, knowing full well that Panarin could simply up and leave in the summer to test the free agency market? The Russian forward knows all too well he can get big money, like John Tavares did last summer, as a free agent, and so it seems like the Bruins would be mad to pull the trigger on this move. 

The price is astronomical... but will it stop the Bruins? 

We have less than three weeks to find out...