We all hoped it wouldn’t happen but knew it was coming — watching Artemi Panarin exchange his Columbus Blue Jackets jersey for a New York Rangers one dealt a blow to the team’s offensive line, and to fan morale in general.
In his two-year, 160 game tenure with the Jackets, Panarin proved to be a dynamic difference-maker every time he hit the ice. Losing him stings, but the blow could be lessened if the Jackets could acquire NYR forward Chris Kreider, whose time with the Rangers is speculated to be nearing an end.