First, I heard this morning from a second quality source that the Columbus Blue Jackets are making a hard push for Blackhawks center Artem Anisimov.
OK, Anisimov is a useful player in certain ways, but not in that “Erik Karlsson/we must go get this guy at the deadline” class. And Columbus GM Jarmo Kekalainen is no fool either. So why the hot and heavies for a 2nd/3rd line center with concrete in his skates, who Jarmo already traded away once before?
- CBJ needs right now what Anisimov brings. Two thoughts crossed my mind when I sat at Nationwide Arena last Sunday, watching the Penguins beat the Blue jackets (and this was before I heard any AA to CBJ—or anywhere chatter). The Blue jackets had no one creating screens in front of the Pittsburgh net, and they have tried a lot of centers this year with Artemi Panarin. Think about who checks both those boxes.
- AA could help keep Panarin in blue past 2019. Anisimov’s contract extends well beyond when Panarin’s expires. I have no idea how much pickle juice and vodka these guys swill together in the offseason, but there is a clear camaraderie and chemistry there between the two. And Kekalainen needs to retain Panarin or the Saad-Panarin deal starts looking a lot worse on his balance sheet after next summer.
- AA is a favorite of Columbus coach John Tortorella. Torts has gone on the record with this, after coaching Anisimov in New York and Columbus.
But it takes two to tango, and why would the Hawks deal Anisimov to Columbus? Especially when Stan Bowman claims the team has no interest at this point in dealing him.
First of all, don’t believe Bowman in this instance. He is not going to go out and tell the media it’s open bidding on Anisimov. What he tells other GMs might be quite different. All that said, I have heard the Hawks are listening, but not urgently trying to deal AA, and as of late last night, several teams are inquiring on Anisimov.
Second, the Hawks desperately need something at the center position that Anisimov cannot provide: a strong (50%+) faceoff option after Jonathan Toews for defensive zone draws. Better still if it’s a guy with the offensive skill to be a 2nd FO option in the O zone. They are also apparently trying to acquire near- or completely-NHL ready defensemen with size and speed. Anisimov, depending on how much another team (like Columbus) wants him, could potentially bring that back, especially if packaged with another asset of some worth.
What might Columbus send back? Names like Brandon Dubinsky or Lukas Sedlak (with likely more included in the return package to Chicago) come to mind. Keep in mind: a lower line, tough to play against center who wins draws. Perhaps also a defense prospect like a Gabriel Carlsson. Or just a decent draft pick.
FINALLY, A QUICK RUMOR UPDATE IN THE LAST HOUR:
Hearing the Hawks could do a lot or very little at this deadline, because the deals they are working on are more substantial in nature. Several teams are asking about Anisimov—not just CBJ.
A move involving Tommy Wingels (who would re-sign in Chicago this summer), and/or Lance Bouma, would be sort of the baseline to expect. But more could happen. The next most likely player to move, in my opinion, may be Ryan Hartman. Connor Murphy and Anisimov are also in the mix.
Meanwhile, follow my twitter @jaeckel for updates, and my friend @JustinLoweHB, as he is working on a more substantial rumor that I believe has some merit.