Report: Blackhawks “taking a run” at Panarin

It’s safe to say that the 2018-19 NHL season hasn’t exactly gone to plan for the Chicago Blackhawks. The former perennial Stanley Cup contenders are in the basement of the NHL standings and have just four wins under rookie head coach Jeremy Colliton.

The thing is… regardless of what the standings say, the Blackhawks still have some high end talent in the prime of their careers. Patrick Kane is still an elite playmaker and has an outstanding 37 points in 32 games. Jonathan Toews is still producing at nearly a point per game pace. Sure Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook have taken a step backward, but with a reworked defense and some new blood up front, is it crazy to think that the Blackhawks could turn things around in 2019-20?

A big key to the team’s turnaround could be former Blackhawks sniper Artemi Panarin. According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, he believes that Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman is going to do everything possible this upcoming offseason to re-acquire the Russian winger.

Check out this little tidbit from Friedman’s latest 31 Thoughts podcast for Sportsnet:

“I have to think that they’re clearing the decks to take a run at Panarin.”

Now, before you get too excited Hawks fans, Friedman also admits that the New York Rangers are in the mix for Panarin.

Check it out:

“Until I’m told differently… if I’m putting money on it… I’m betting on the Rangers. The Rangers have the room and he’s a great player.”

Suffice it to say that the Blackhawks and Rangers won’t be the only team in the mix come July 1st, however. With seven goals and 32 points in 29 games with the Columbus Blue Jackets so far this season, there will be PLENTY of teams lining up contract offers for the Breadman come July 1st.