On June 23, 2014, and June 23, 2017, Jarmo Kekäläinen made two massive trades that would reshape the Blue Jackets franchise. In 2011, the Jackets also made another trade that would turn out to be the worst in CBJ history.
On June 23, 2014, Kekäläinen traded RJ Umberger and a fourth-round pick to the Philadelphia Flyers for longtime NHLer Scott Hartnell. Hartnell immediately became a fan favorite due to his outgoing personality and ability to get under the skin of the hated rival Pittsburgh Penguins.
Hartnell would go on to play in 234 games for the Blue Jackets. He scored 64 goals and totaled 146 points. He sits 24th on the all-time points list in Blue Jackets history.
Hartnell would go on to sign a free agent deal with the Nashville Predators on July 1, 2017 after Columbus bought him out on June 29, 2017.
June 23, 2017 was a huge day for the Blue Jackets. Kekäläinen pulled off an unreal trade for dynamic forward Artemi Panarin. Jarmo would send Brandon Saad, Anton Forsberg and Columbus' 5th round pick in 2018 NHL Draft to Chicago for Panarin, Tyler Motte, and a 6th round pick.
Panarin would play 160 games for the Jackets in two seasons. He would amass 169 points, which included 55 goals and 114 assists. He would also score 13 PPG and total 39 power play points. Panarin hold the CBJ record for most points in a season twice with 87 in 2018-19, and 82 in 17-18. He is also tied with Zach Werenski for most assists in a season with 59.
Panarin would famously walk in free agency in 2019 when he signed with the New York Rangers in a 7-year, $81.5 million deal with an AAV of $11,642,857. Rumors are that he turned down more money in Columbus to go to New York. He turned down an eight-year contract worth $96 million from Columbus.
He stated in a Russian interview after he left that he was advised by his agent and his wife to take the money in Columbus. Panarin refused, and the rest is history.
In 2011, The Columbus Blue Jackets traded for Jeff Carter, sending Jakub Voracek and Columbus' 1st (Sean Couturier) and 3rd (Nick Cousins) round picks in 2011 NHL Draft, June 23, 2011 to the Philadelphia Flyers.
Will the Blue Jackets make another big trade on June 23rd? Stay tuned.
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