I think it’s strange that everyone is hung up on Panarin and Bob walking. Assuming they leave, Columbus will have 20-25M in cap space. Sure it’s a risk to acquire another UFA, but it’s also a risk to sell off all your assets for futures when you’re in a playoff spot. It’s a risk to sign a goalie to an 8 x 8 deal. They will have space and they will try to fill the void that Panarin and bob leave.
But considering what the void that Duchene is filling in the current lineup, and the potential to re-sign him, it is a risk that makes sense to take. They have struggled to find consistent offense from any line aside from their first line for the last two seasons, in large part because of the play of the centers. Wennberg has struggled to create offense at even strength for a while now, and he has been expected to be the second line center (really the first line center prior to Dubois’ emergence). Duchene pushes everyone down a slot into a more comfortable position. Dubois can have mismatches playing on the 2nd line. Jenner and Wennberg can be used in the bottom 6 in more defensive situations. Dubinsky, Nash, and Sedlak become just depth, fighting over a final roster spot, rather than relied on to produce.
This team is only a few wins out of first in the division, and a couple losses from missing the playoffs. Filling their biggest need without giving up anything from the roster can potentially make this team very good right now. It’s a risk to load up, but it might also be the right time to do it.