Artemi Panarin was booed by Blue Jackets fans amid talks that he does not want to remain with Columbus long term.
Panarin’s agent issued a statement on Monday saying that the winger would not discuss a contract extension with the Blue Jackets.
Statement about Artemi Panarin’s future “We have informed the team that we are willing to discuss Artemi’s future after the season. Our priority now is to focus on the rest of the season, trying to win a Stanley Cup for the CBJ & their fans”. No additional comments will be made..
— Dan Milstein-Hockey (@HockeyAgent1) January 28, 2019
Panarin’s desire to become an unrestricted free agent after the season puts Columbus in a bad spot where they have to weigh trading their most productive player. That led to the chilly reception from Blue Jackets fans prior to Tuesday night’s game against Buffalo.
A smattering of boos when Artemi Panarin is announced in the starting lineup and when he touches the puck shortly after #CBJ win face-off.
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) January 30, 2019
The 27-year-old has 53 points this season, his second with Columbus. The Blue Jackets acquired him in a trade with the Blackhawks a year and a half ago and face the possibility of losing him without getting anything in return if they keep him for the rest of the season. They are firmly in the playoff race in the East.
