If you acquire Panarin, why in the world would you turn right around and flip him? You run the risk of angering your top player by acquiring then immediately getting rid of him. I just don't see the benefit of getting rid of him if you actually acquire him.

You get Guentzel and Kessel. Move a bad contract in Steen. Columbus should cut the Blues out of the deal and just trade Panarin for Kessel and Guentzel.

You would want to cut out the middle man if possible but just like SJS did with FLA/OTT they facilitated a trade between rivals. Organizations won't trade to a direct rival especially if both are in a competitive window. CBJ wouldn't do it and PIT wouldn't move Kessel to CBJ.



Armstrong would talk to Tarasenko first to let him know the plan but ultimately the point of three way trades is to facilitate a move that can't be made directly. In this case, I was using this as a swing trade example similar to what SJS did with OTT/FLA. But the difference is the assets being moved are of much higher value and larger scale. The big thing with these is the middle man can really clean up with asset return on these. SJS essentially cleared up cap space while getting draft picks just by filling out some paperwork.

I realize this is all hypothetical. And I get the idea of coming out ahead by being the 'middle man' in this type of trade. I just think Tarasenko wouldn't go for this. Plus, Panarin would be more coveted by the Blues than Kessel.

In a 1 to 1, I would agree with you. I would be more inclined to take Panarin over Kessel because of age and relationship with Tarasenko. However, in the event you get more by swinging a player and that recoups more depth that you trade away in the initial acquisition it leaves you more flexible to make a secondary trade and signing. It isn't about getting necessarily the best guy. It is about improving current asset value. Like I mentioned, SJS managed to clear cap space (cap space is asset value improvement) as well as acquire draft picks (additional asset potential) without giving up anything. The players they gave up are replaceable by spending on the open market. With the potential for a lot of shift, GMs would be smart to look at these kind of scenarios and really seek improvement. I chose the Blues because I know their organizational depth and needs and I'd personally like to see them make these kind of moves. But any team could do this and drastically improve their situation.

If the Blues managed to get Panarin only to trade him away I’d puke in my mouth.