Artemi Panarin Explains, In His Own Words, Why He Was Traded

It was a move that very few people saw coming when Artemi Panarin was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets to bring Brandon Saad back to Chicago. The move has been polarizing between the fans who love Panarin's scoring ability or love Saad's multi-dimensional game. Hockey fans can debate for hours on why the Blackhawks should or should not have made the move.  The things you will hear range from Panarin is a one trick pony and Saad can play at both ends. Or, Panarin scores more than Saad and the Blackhawks need to score more. Whatever it is, fans are divided. It doesn't matter what fans want but the direction the Blackhawks organization wants to be headed. For the first time since the trade, Panarin gave his thoughts on why he was traded in an interview with Bardown.

"There are a lot of rumors now. I do not care who or what was said. It is possible that it was so, but if I won two Stanley Cups in my two years in Chicago, then I would not be exchanged. I'm the one who lost twice in the first round. Who is there to be offended by?”

Panarin obviously understands the objective of every NHL organization. Win the Stanley Cup. While Panarin can't be completely to blame for the Blackhawks bowing out in the first round, he does recognize Saad's ability.

“Brandon Saad, who I was traded to Columbus for, is a good player. He has a contract for four years. With him, Chicago won the Stanley Cup. I would keep playing for them for I don’t know how long, showing off.”

Artemi Panarin noted that he will focus on playing his game and not worry about outside distractions while in Columbus. This is a good attitude for a young player who has had very early success in his career.

“The last season turned out to be very difficult in psychological terms. In the next, I will not think about extraneous things or about what they think of me. Very often, it seems that people make out your actions a big deal, but no one really pays you as much attention.”

Whatever your feelings are about the trade, it will be interesting to see how everything shakes out for both players. Will Panarin keep up his scoring with the Blue Jackets? Will Saad be the two-way player that the Blackhawks need him to be? Follow @Pappy_Hour on Twitter for more Blackhawks news and musings.