3 Reasons the Canadiens Shouldn't Sign Panarin This Offseason

The idea of Artemi Panarin in Montreal with the Canadiens might make some fans’ heads spin. The skill, the highlights, the instant respect he commands are all tempting. But the more you think about it, the more you realize the fit isn’t as clean as it looks.

Here are three reasons why the Canadiens might be better off passing on Panarin this summer.

Reason 1: Panarin’s Age and Cost Are Real Concerns.

Panarin is 34. Sure, he’s still dazzling, but even the best wingers eventually slow down. A top-dollar, three- or four-year deal for a player on the wrong side of 30 is a financial gamble. Montreal has been smart during its rebuild, avoiding contracts that could become anchors.

Spending big on Panarin could limit flexibility in the coming years, especially when younger players like Cole Caufield and Ivan Demidov will need raises of their own. Cap space is tempting, but that doesn’t make long-term risk go away.

Reason 2: The Canadiens’ Roster Balance Could Take a Hit.

The Canadiens have leaned on small, skilled forwards, but they still need size, grit, and defensive reliability. Panarin is another undersized forward. While he’ll boost the offence, he doesn’t fix the team’s other gaps. Montreal can’t simply stack stars without thinking about playoff matchups, where hard, physical teams punish soft spots.

Adding Panarin could give you scoring, but at the cost of balance. In the playoffs, depth and versatility often matter more than highlight-reel goals.

Reason 3: Panarin’s Fit Isn’t Just About Skill.

Panarin and GM Jeff Gorton have history. He trusted Gorton once when he signed in New York. That connection is real, but it doesn’t erase the fact that Montreal is still shaping its identity. Chemistry matters, yes, but style matters even more. The Canadiens are still a team learning to compete consistently in the tough Atlantic Division.

Throwing a high-maintenance star into the mix doesn’t automatically solve that problem, and could create headaches with younger players finding their roles.

The Bottom Line for the Canadiens

The bottom line for the Canadiens is that, while he’s still a phenomenal talent, it might not be worth making a run at Panarin. Unless the team can pick him up for a song, Montreal is better served by being patient, letting its young stars grow, and avoiding big-money, high-risk bets on a player whose peak years are arguably behind him.

Sometimes the most brilliant move is knowing when to admire the talent from afar.