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Has anyone heard much else on this? Apparently the Blackhawks are about to land a young Russian sniper, about 23 years old I think. That's all I've heard at this point. Any new info would be appreciated.

Just found this article: http://www.thescore.com/nhl/news/754893

The kid is 23 year-old Artemi Panarin, who was a KHL All-Star and led his team in scoring last year, which is pretty impressive when you consider that Ilya Kovalchuk was on his team as well. The article also says that the Flames, Habs and Maple Leafs are also chasing him, but we're the front-runners to sign him.

What do you guys think? Anyone know anything about the guy? How good do you think he could be at NHL level and how would we utilize him?

Gotta find a spot & cash for him. Easier said than done.

Ummm what money and whose getting papers.... These guys get paid in our league.... Bicks should retire, just saying


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Another article....apparently the contract is non-guaranteed (sort of).
http://www.secondcityhockey.com/2015/4/ ... tract-2015

It's like a "make due" deal. The Hawks sign him, but there appear to be outs if he doesn't make the actual NHL team and he can go back to Russia if so. A lot of KHL to NHL deals are like this.

I'd be fine with Bickell being moved, to be honest. Great playoff performer but does jack during the regular season. Before we start shipping people out of town though, I want to see what he can do at NHL level. I have high hopes but don't want to count my chickens too early.

We signed APar


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2 year deal... Kid is kinda cocky but he is a talent no doubt about it.... Sharp insurance


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I've been thinking about how I'd construct my top-2 lines, assuming Bickell and Sharp are both gone. So far I'm leaning towards this:

LINE 1 - Panarin - Toews - Hossa

I know Panarin is an unproven rookie, but that's partly why I put him on this line. Playing with established superstars like Toews and Hossa will take a lot of pressure off him, and being known as a sniper, he should get plenty of opportunities to score with his line-mates being so closely watched. Basically like how Saad benefited from the quality of his line-mates while he was developing.




LINE 2 - Teravainen - Anisimov - Kane

Anisimov is basically guaranteed to be the C on this line, and Kane is obviously a lock here as well. That's two nice building blocks, but given Kane's creativity and ability as both a finisher and passer, he needs to play with someone who can set him up and finish the chances he creates. Now Anisimov is a great two-way player, but he lacks that elite offensive ability as a playmaker and finisher that Kane needs. That's why I put Teravainen on this line. Both he and Kane can be deadly creating chances and looks for each other, and Anisimov adds size to the line, a defensive presence, and with his size, he should be able to be somewhat of a net-front presence who can help screen for Teravainen and Kane, and put back rebounds.


What do you guys think of my two lines? How would you shape your scoring lines for next season?