Artemi Panarin entered the NHL when he was a 24-year-old with the Blackhawks and won the Calder in his first season. He followed up a 77-point campaign with a 74-point, 30-goal season the following year.
It seemed as if he was destined to be a Blackhawk for a long time, but out of nowhere he was traded to Columbus. Two years later, Panarin is in the 'Big Apple' after signing a massive contract with the Rangers this summer, but his feelings about being traded to CBJ are still with him.
Wednesday night, Panarin returned to Chicago with the Rangers and recorded a goal in his team's victory. In the above article, he also admitted that the trade to the Blue Jackets actually still confuses him.
"When I played here in Chicago I (thought) I would play here my whole life," Panarin said after scoring his 30th goal of the season during a 6-3 Rangers victory over the Hawks Wednesday at the United Center. "And then that happened. It still confuse(s) me."
While confusing, the trade is one that has certainly worked out for Panarin, who made the playoffs both seasons he was with the Blue Jackets and is on pace for goals, assists, and points in his first season on Broadway.
The Blackhawks, meanwhile, haven't made the playoffs since trading the talented forward and that streak will likely extend to three years once this season wraps up.
(H/T: John Dietz)
