ST. LOUIS -- The St. Louis Blues should have listened.

Whenever Vladimir Tarasenko got the chance, he'd tell the Blues that they should sign his close friend back in Russia, a skinny kid named Artemi Panarin.

It began the first day Tarasenko played with the Blues back in 2013, according to St. Louis coach Ken Hitchcock.

"Instead of giving [Tarasenko] $8 million [in salary], we should have hired him as a scout," Hitchcock said. "They're best buds. They played in the world juniors together, they played on lines together. We talked about [Panarin] and everybody said, 'He's a pretty small guy.'"

That part is most definitely true.

Panarin is listed at 5-foot-11, 170 pounds, which seems on the generous side. What he lacks in size, he made up for in skill and chemistry with fellow winger Patrick Kane, whom he plays alongside with the Chicago Blackhawks. The Blackhawks signed Panarin as a free agent last April and he led all rookies with 77 points this season. He's expected to be a Calder Trophy finalist.

Panarin didn't score in Game 1 against the Blues on Wednesday, but he had one of the best looks at goaltender Brian Elliott on a scoring chance late in the third period. Panarin is a dangerous player whom the Blues will have to contend with during this first-round playoff series.

Life would be much easier if he were on their side. Panarin's agent, Tom Lynn, said the Blues reached out about Panarin but weren't one of the more aggressive pursuers of the talented winger.

"They were definitely in the mix," Lynn said on Friday afternoon. "I like [Blues GM] Doug Armstrong very much and Ken Hitchcock has been great, but St. Louis was not one of the final picks."

Panarin has had striking chemistry with Kane this season, which is remarkable considering the language barrier and that this is their first time playing together. Imagine how strong the chemistry would have been with Panarin's good friend and fellow Russian.

Actually, for Blues fans, it might be better not to. No use beating yourself up for an old mistake.

"We all look a little dumb right now," Hitchcock said.

As for Tarasenko, he sounded like he has moved on. He's happy for the success of his close friend but admitted that even friendship has limitations.

"I can't be happy for Blackhawks guy," Tarasenko said. "He's the enemy right now."