Blue Jackets not interested in trading Panarin or Bobrovsky at this point
TSN: Darren Dreger on Insider Trading notes that both Artemi Panarin and Sergei Bobrovsky are scheduled to become UFAs next July and speculation will continue.
“Now I’m told that Jarmo Kekalainen, the general manager of the Blue Jackets continues to get trade calls with interest on Artemi Panarin. He has no interest in trading him and his principle point of interest is trying to convince him to re-sign, likewise for Sergei Bobrovsky. But it doesn’t sound like the mood has changed for Panarin that he wants a market change so this is a story we’ll continue to follow for months I’m sure.”
Chris Nichols of Nichols on Hockey: Darren Dreger was on TSN 690 yesterday and was asked about how things could play out for the Columbus Blue Jackets, Artemi Panarin, and Sergei Bobrovsky this year.
“I think it depends on where the Columbus Blue Jackets are as you creep closer to the trade deadline,” began Dreger. “If they’re in a position where they think they’re a contending team, then how do you trade Artemi Panarin, or Sergei Bobrovsky for that matter. He’s kind of the forgotten guy in all of this, also an unrestricted free agent July 1.
“The sense that I get, and Panarin has made it clear, is that it’s not specifically about the team, it’s just wanting a market change from a lifestyle perspective more than anything.”
Dreger adds that from what he is getting out of Columbus is that they don’t have any interest in trading Panarin at this time. Teams are calling Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen, but he’s still wanting to put the effort into re-signing both.
If at the deadline the Blue Jackets don’t feel they can make a serious run at the Stanley Cup, believes they have to seriously consider trading them. Panarin’s stance on signing a long-term deal is unlikely to change between now and the trade deadline.
Aaron Portzline of The Athletic: (mailbag) The Panarin and Bobrovsky situation isn’t a positive thing for the Blue Jackets dressing room and it’s possible that things could get uncomfortable despite what some may say.