Odds Split On Blue Jackets Trading Panarin, Bobrovsky Before Deadline

• The Columbus Blue Jackets are third in the Metropolitan Division (65 points)
• Trade rumors surround their two best players: Artemi Panarin and Sergei Bobrovsky
• Could one, or both, be dealt ahead of the February 25th Trade Deadline?

The Columbus Blue Jackets find themselves in a unique position.

Columbus currently holds a top-six spot in the NHL’s Eastern Conference standings. Any other season, they’d be considered buyers at the Trade Deadline.

But not this year.

Their top two players, forward Artemi Panarin and goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky are impending free agents, which leaves GM Jarmo Kekalainen in a troublesome limbo ahead of February 25th’s Trade Deadline.

Odds Artemi Panarin is Dealt Before Trade Deadline

*All odds taken 2/12

Artemi Panarin is arguably the most talented player who is rumored to be available ahead of the NHL Trade Deadline. While it doesn’t guarantee that he’s dealt, it’s an excellent indicator of his value.

From @frank_seravalli: Panarin jumps to the top of TSN’s Trade Bait board. https://t.co/5PbzPktVjz #TradeCentre#BellLetsTalk pic.twitter.com/RfAyy8k4V5

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) January 30, 2019

Odds Sergei Borovsky is Dealt Before the Trade Deadline

Bobrovsky is the 10th-rated player on TSN’s Trade Bait board. He is also the highest-rated of three goalies in TSN’s Top 50.

Blue Jackets more likely to move Panarin?

There is no doubt that Artemi Panarin is the most attractive trade chip on the market.

Some non-Capitals buzz: Hearing the Predators are exploring the idea of trading for Artemi Panarin.

— Chris Kuc (@ChrisKuc) February 8, 2019

Panarin has scored at least 27 goals in each of his three full NHL seasons, finishing with 77 points in each. This year he should eclipse his career highs of 31 goals, 55 assists and 82 points.

Artemi Panarin Stats

As a pending free agent, Panarin is affordable. A team would only have to absorb a pro-rated amount of his current $6 million cap hit.

To add a first line winger? A Stanley Cup contender wouldn’t think twice about parting with a couple of players and a first round pick.

Finding a suitor for Bobrovsky will be tough

The harder piece to move will be Sergei Bobrovsky.

While Bobrovsky plays a premium position, there’s a reason teams are already in a playoff position.

Sergei Bobrovsky Stats

They already have a top-end goaltender. They aren’t going to go and blow their trade-able assets to insulate a Carey Price, Braden Holtby or Andrei Vasilevskiy.

So the odds are drastically lower that Bobrovsky will be on the move.

Unless…

Could Panarin and Bobrovsky move together?

There was a rumor that surfaced on Monday surrounding the Florida Panthers.

The Florida Panthers have been chasing the two for a while. But putting together a package good enough to land both? That’s tough.

So @NYP_Brooksie says that Florida is chasing Sergei Bobrovsky, seeking to land him so they can offer an 8-year contract. Perfect fit, as obviously the Panthers would have no concerns about his postseason record.

— Greg Wyshynski (@wyshynski) February 4, 2019

Apparently that has forced Florida to put Jonathan Huberdeau on the table.

This deal may be a little shadier than the potential others though.

Saw that TSN added Jonathan Huberdeau to their trade bait board. Look I understand that Florida will have to give up talent to get Panarin/Bobs. But, why would you trade Huberdeau to get Panarin? Especially since Huberdeau is having a career year.

— Josh Tessler (@JoshTessler_) February 11, 2019

If the Panthers are going to move Huberdeau, a producer with long-term control, they’d want some assurances. Mainly that neither Panarin or Bobrovsky would bolt a team nine points out of a Wild Card spot once the season ends.

Will Bobrovsky or Panarin be with Blue Jackets after the Trade Deadline?

With the Trade Deadline still two weeks out, the safe bet is just one of them moving.

Artemi Panarin.

The teams in contention are set in net. A backup goalie for insurance is one thing. Uprooting a starter and upsetting a locker room? No playoff favorite would do that.

With Panarin, you get to add an elite talent for the stretch run. You can also use the next three months to try and recruit him long term.

While Sergei  Bobrovsky will get left behind, Artemi Panarin will have a new home by the NHL Trade Deadline.

Our NHL Trade Deadline Coverage:

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