Shocking news broke this afternoon in advance of this weekend’s NHL Draft, courtesy of Elliotte Friedman:
There is word today that Artemi Panarin has told CLB that he is not ready to consider an extension “at this time.” (UFA July 2019.) As a result, the Blue Jackets are testing the market for him.
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) June 19, 2018
Artemi Panarin came to Columbus last summer in a trade for Brandon Saad, among other pieces dealt. Panarin put up 82 points in 81 games and scored the overtime winner as Columbus beat Washington in game one of the playoffs.
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. pic.twitter.com/1yW0gbblvQ
— George Richards (@GeorgeRichards) June 19, 2018
More to come on this developing story.