On the Columbus Blue Jackets …
Elliotte Friedman: Sounds like forward Artemi Panarin has told the Blue Jackets that “at this time” he is not ready to talk contract extension with them. He is scheduled be an unrestricted free agent after next season. The Blue Jackets are seeing what the trade market is like for him.
Aaron Portzline: Panarin’s agent, Daniel Milstein, said that it’s not appropriate for him to comment on Friedman’s report.
Pierre LeBrun: “Panarin hasn’t closed the door talking extension but just isn’t ready to do it now. Probably the earliest he would entertain those talks is the start of the season in the fall. Which puts the Jackets in a precarious position obviously…”
Pierre LeBrun: “Also of note here is that any team looking to trade for Panarin may not necessarily get him to sign, either. So you’re gambling on your end as well as a suitor. So, interesting situation to say the least.”
George Richards: “Dan Milstein, agent for #CBJ star Artemi Panarin, says it is not a ‘proper time to comment’ on reports Panarin isn’t ready to talk contract extension with Columbus nor that team is shopping their leading scorer. Panarin is UFA after next season.”
Stupid good. pic.twitter.com/PfHfQu88fP
— 🏴 Todd Cordell 🦁🦁🦁 (@ToddCordell) June 19, 2018
On the Vancouver Canucks …
Rick Dhaliwal: The Canucks and pending free agent Reid Boucher are talking about a contract. The Canucks would like to bring him back. He’s arbitration eligible but both sides are hoping to reach a fair deal.
Rick Dhaliwal: The Canucks are talking about a contract with pending free agent goaltender Richard Bachman.
Scott Rintoul: Nick Kypreos said that the Canucks had been one of the teams showing interest in Mike Hoffman over the past few months. Many teams had been holding as they were waiting to see where his story went.
Ben Kuzma of the Vancouver Province: Rasmus Dahlin at No. 1 and Andrei Svechnikov at No. 2, but starting at No. 3, who knows.
“I agree on that,” said Benning. “I’m keeping all my options open, but I would think we would be making the pick at No. 7 — and if the draft was today — we’d be making it.”
Defenseman Noah Dobson and Quinn Hughes are not expected to be there at No. 7, but it is possible as scouts vary. Evan Bouchard could be an option. Filip Zadina has started to fall, but all the way to No. 7? Defenseman Adam Boqvist and Oliver Wahlstrom should be around.
“When I say we want to take the best player, we want to take the best player over time,” said Benning. “For us, it’s not a prerequisite that he can step in and play next year, but three or four years down the road. We’d be patient and develop the player.”