It appears Artemi Panarin’s time with the Columbus Blue jackets will soon be coming to an end.
With one year left on his two-year, $12 million deal, many have speculated the Russian will either be traded over the course of the next year, or dip to another team during next summer’s free agency period. One thing, however, appears to be clear: Panarin will not be wearing a Blue jackets jersey for at least some time ahead of the 2019-20 season. According to Jay Zawaski of Chicago’s @670theScore, Panarin told Columbus that he intends to become a free agent next summer.
Rumors have swirled that the 26-year-old might reunite with the Chicago Blackhawks, but Panarin’s asking price could prove to be too much when you consider the team also has Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane signed at $10.5 million annually for the foreseeable future. Considering he notched a career-high 82 points last season, a huge raise will likely be in order, and we have a feeling there won’t be a shortage of bidders either.
With two-time Vezina winner Sergei Bobrovsky also due for a new contract next summer, general manager Jarmo Kekalainen and head coach John Tortorella will be tasked with somehow trying to make this all work. With Panarin, it seems to be more of a “when” than “if” situation.
(H/T Jay Zawaski)
