Even if Saad was a 55pt player this year, everyone would still be laughing at us.
Most people expected a regression of some sort to Panarin, as he does not have a Kane to play with. (it's not a knock on his skill, it's just expected when you stop playing with one of the best RW's in the game..)
However, not only did he improve his point totals he also became the MVP of the team, set a franchise record for points in a season, manage to be in Torts good book, became a two-way player, and dragged along a 19 year old rookie C and a revolving cast of subpar RWs (Foligno, Anderson, Atkinson).
Panarin has 82pts, second highest forward has 48 points!
I hope Panarin helps the Jackets knock off the Pens in the first round.