Panarin is exactly the type of player who can get the Preds over the hump.
If we look at the "weaknesses" of the Preds compared to other contenders, they're a little light in top 6 C however you can't get a superstar C via trade (no, Duchene is not a superstar and very unproven in the playoffs) so there's really nothing you can do about it to improve big time.
Their D is great. Goaltending is fine. Depth is good.
However, who are the gamebreakers? Forsberg is their best forward. He needs some more high-end support.
What Panarin did against the Caps last year in the Blue Jackets only 2 wins was the definition of gamebreaking.
If you can't improve down the middle the next best thing to do is do it on the wing. Last year 2nd line become a problem. Panarin - Turris - Smith, that's pretty gud.
Things won't get much better for the Preds. Their window is open. I like Tolvanen and have watched him a ton especially last year, but i still think his ceiling is 2nd line W. Plus he's kinda struggled this season. I'd give him up for Bread Man.
Come on down Poile, the time is nigh. This would give me the same feel as when LA acquired Gaborik. Team that knows how to grind and has great defense adds a lethal shooter.
On a second thought, im a Jets fan. This is appropriate.