The worst trade in Blackhawks history officially takes place today

Nearly seven years have elapsed since the Chicago Blackhawks made what many consider to be one of the most questionable trades in the team's history.

On June 23, 2017, the Blackhawks decided to trade Artemi Panarin to the Columbus Blue Jackets, a move that sparked a flurry of debate among fans and experts alike.

This transaction saw Brandon Saad return to Chicago in a trade that aimed to recapture the magic of past Stanley Cup victories.

At the time, Stan Bowman, the then general manager, was trying to reunite key components of the team that had clinched three Stanley Cups in the 2010s.

However, the trade quickly seemed to favor Columbus as it also included Tyler Motte and a sixth-round pick in 2017 going to the Blue Jackets, in exchange for Saad, Anton Forsberg, and a fifth-round pick in 2018.

Before leaving Chicago, Panarin had signed a two-year contract worth $12 million, providing the Blue Jackets with cost certainty.

His career trajectory continued upward with Columbus, and eventually, he signed a significant contract with the New York Rangers, elevating his career further.

In the aftermath of Panarin's departure, the Blackhawks embarked on a substantial roster overhaul, signaling a new era of rebuilding.

The focus has shifted towards nurturing young talents like Connor Bedard, Kevin Korchinski, and Lukas Reichel.

These players represent the cornerstone of Chicago's strategy to ascend back to competitive prominence, combining draft acumen with aggressive moves in the upcoming unrestricted free agency, which kicks off on July 1st at 12:00 PM EST.

This trade remains a pivotal moment in Blackhawks history, reflecting both the risks of big trades and the ongoing challenges of building a championship-caliber team in the modern NHL.

As the Blackhawks prepare for free agency, the team's management and fans alike will be keen to see if their new approach can return the franchise to its former glory.

Source: X.com Four Feathers Podcast
Aretmi Panarin traded to Blue Jackets for Blackhawks Brandon Saad