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Panarin, Pacioretty and Simmonds...Could they be swapped for each other?

September 8, 2018, 10:11 AM ET [67 Comments]
Eklund
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Sometimes in the NHL we see this.

A "problem for problem" trade can work and get these players new starts...

Panarin, Pacioretty and Simmonds...All three players are stars in this league and entering the final year of their contracts...as is Tyler Seguin of course but he is definitely a level above so let's leave him out of this conversation for now...

Panarin, Pacioretty and Simmonds are all in different stages of the same situation...

Panarin appears to definitely want to go somewhere else.

Pacioretty's agent is at least saying he wants to be extended in Montreal.

Simmonds really does want to remain a Flyer at this point, and is a huge part of the team's chemistry, but his agent's price (and mostly term) is something the Flyers don't look ready to meet...for now....

The three teams situations are different too...

Columbus and Philly were both playoff teams and are expected to be again...They could each just keep their pending UFA's and consider them "own rentals" and be willing to lose them for nothing in July for a shot at this year's Cup in June. Risky, but possible...

Montreal is less likely to be in the playoff hunt and this situation is obviously affecting Max the most...You can't blame him for wanting this to be figured out yesterday at this point...

Panarin for Simmonds?

A Panarin for Simmonds (plus) deal may be possible for each team as a way to stay strong in the playoffs and still move a disgruntled employee....but like I said...Simmonds hasn't acted nearly as disgruntled as Panarin and Wayne just looks like he wants to get on the ice and be healthy enough to prove his All-Star MVP form of two years back was no fluke...

Patches for Simmonds?

A Pacioretty for Simmonds trade may make more sense if Montreal is willing to consider extending Simmonds...The Canadiens really don't currently have a player like Simmonds. Wayne Simmonds is strong in front of the net, and among the best players in the NHL at winning puck battles along the boards...and he probably would take less that Pacioretty....whose price to stay in Montreal keeps rising.

The Flyers meanwhile are in need of a third center if Giroux stays at wing...which after a 100 point season he should...Currently after Couturier and Patrick it drops to Jordan Weal...Weal is probably more of a 4th line center at the NHL level... Pacioretty could slot into the #2 spot and Patrick could be the #3..less pressure on a second year guy..

On Panarin...

Also I really feel that despite the fact Panarin is the player who most obviously wants to leave the Jackets are the team who is trying the hardest to change his mind about that...

more to come...
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