Aaron Portzline of The Athletic: Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky and forward Artemi Panarin will likely enter the season without a contract extension, and could become unrestricted free agents after the season.
Sources are saying that the Blue Jackets and Bobrovsky’s agent Paul Theofanous haven’t actively held contract talks for a while now. The belief is that Bobrovsky could be looking for Carey Price money – eight years and $84 million. The Blue Jackets appear okay with having Bobrovsky play into his final season of the deal, and it’s not known if they want to make him the highest paid goalie in the league given his postseason struggles.
All is quiet on the Paranin front. Earlier trade offers for Panarin involved “futures” and it’s hard to see GM Jarmo Kekalainen wanting to add assets that won’t be ready for a couple years. Chances appear to be slim that the Blue Jackets move Panarin before the start of the season.
Odds are higher that Panarin gets moved than if Bobrovsky does.
There are some that believe Panarin wants to play for the New York Rangers. The Rangers are rebuilding and aren’t really interested in giving up anything for him. They aren’t expected to make the playoffs this year and could use another top draft pick. The Rangers could sign him in the offseason and wouldn’t have to give up assets.
Panarin’s agent won’t comment on if the Rangers are his desired location, but sources from three different teams have heard this.
Panarin hasn’t given the Blue Jackets a list of preferred destinations. Agent Dan Milstein may have been wanting the Blue Jackets to find a trade partner, then go to them and see if Panarin would be interested in signing a long-term deal with that team. The Blue Jackets may get a list of teams at the trade deadline.
The New York Islanders could be a fit for Panarin.
Though Panarin recently bought a condo in Miami, it may not be tied to his interest in playing for the Florida Panthers according to a source. The Panthers do have a plenty of top-six forward options for the Blue Jackets.
Can’t see the Blue Jackets begging him to change his mind and they aren’t taking the September 13th deadline that seriously.
There is a faint hope that both Panarin and Bobrovsky will remain with the team beyond this season.
