Blackhawks send Panarin to Jackets in deal for Saad
The Chicago Blackhawks and Columbus Blue Jackets have agreed on a trade Friday that sends Artemi Panarin to Columbus in exchange for Brandon Saad.
The Blackhawks also receive goaltender Anton Forsberg and a fifth-round pick in 2018, while Columbus gets forward Tyler Motte and a 2017 sixth-round pick.
"There is a cost to adding a player like Artemi, as well as a very good NHL prospect in Tyler Motte, but we believe this is a very good move for our team," said Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen.
It's a homecoming of sorts for Saad, who was traded by Chicago to Columbus in 2015 following the Blackhawks' latest Stanley Cup win in 2015. The forward quickly signed a five-year, $30-million contract with the Blue Jackets.
Meanwhile, Panarin stepped into Chicago's lineup, won the 2016 Calder Trophy, and signed a two-year, $12-million extension that kicks in next season.
| Player | Age | Games | Goals | Assists | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Panarin | 25 | 162 | 61 | 90 | 151 |
| Saad | 24 | 160 | 55 | 51 | 106 |
Saad's regarded as more of a two-way player and may be used as a replacement of sorts for Marian Hossa.