Three-team fan trade proposal sending Artemi Panarin to the Canadiens has fans talking

This "play GM" scenario is just for fun, it's not a rumor.

In this circulating proposal, the Montreal Canadiens would become the team landing the biggest star of the trio.

Montreal would acquire Artemi Panarin, with 50% of his salary retained, and would also add Brandon Carlo.

Nothing subtle here, it's a blockbuster trade proposal that would have people talking at the Bell Centre for weeks.

On the other side, Toronto would receive Vincent Trocheck, with 25% retained, along with Mike Matheson.

New York would collect a big package, including Max Domi and Calle Jarnkrok, plus draft picks and Joshua Roy.

We know Panarin is expected to be traded soon, we know he has strong ties with young Ivan Demidov, and we know he wants to play for a team chasing a championship.

In 2024-2025, he played 80 games and recorded 89 points, including 37 goals.

In this scenario, the Habs would give up a 2026 first-round pick and a 2026 third-round pick, along with a young forward.

And while Toronto and New York are also moving their own picks, it creates a trade where everyone feels like they're gaining something, even though everyone is paying a price.

Mike Matheson's name is also key in this discussion, because he becomes the major piece leaving Montreal in this version.

In 2024-2025, he played 80 games with 31 points, including 6 goals and 25 assists.

In short, it's a fantasy trade, but it sets up a simple question: do you pay that price, even for a name like Panarin (and it's worth noting that adding Brandon Carlo would definitely not be insignificant here)?

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