Even in this early part of the season, many eyes around the league are focused on the Columbus Blue Jackets. As more players like Nate Schmidt ink contract extensions and are taken off the 2019 unrestricted free agent market, even more pressure is on the Blue Jackets and their pending duo of stars. Artemi Panarin and Sergei Bobrovsky are both scheduled to become UFAs next July, and have had little movement with the Blue Jackets in terms of contract extensions.
In fact, Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet writes that Bobrovsky may have already given “an indication of teams he will consider” a trade to this season, given he has full control with a no-movement clause. Bobrovsky has taken the lion’s share of work in the Columbus net to start the year, but is performing worse than he ever has in his career. His .872 save percentage is among the league’s worst, and nearly 50 points lower than his mark from last season. It’s hard to believe he won’t turn things around, but if the Blue Jackets aren’t intending on re-signing him—or he’s not willing to re-sign with the Blue Jackets—a trade might be the best scenario for both.
Panarin meanwhile told the club he didn’t want to negotiate during the summer, but also wanted all business completed by the start of the season. That left the Blue Jackets in a tough position given their belief in themselves as Stanley Cup contenders, as trading a player like Panarin can only hurt your on-ice product in the short term. The 26-year old forward though never said anything negative about the organization or city, just that he didn’t want to sign a long-term deal at the moment. That little bit of wiggle room could force the Blue Jackets to keep him around all year and make a pitch at the end of the season.
It’s obvious that both players are incredible talents, capable of changing the direction of a franchise all by themselves. But both will also be incredibly expensive on the open market, likely challenging some of the highest paid players at their respective positions. Can the Blue Jackets wait out the year and re-sign either one? Or are both destined to be in a different jersey come September 2019.
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Both want around 11 Million a season. Only time will tell. If this team is out at the trade deadline. It will be a fire sell for both players.
They should bring back Panarin and then try to acquire Saros from Nashville. Can’t see Korpisalo being the starter going forward.
As usual, JDgoatcheese isn’t up on current events concerning the Breadman. Hence the stupid comment. LOL
Thanks for the input troll, it’ll be processed and uploaded in a timely manner.
Nice queer rhetoric though, as lame and mentally slow as you are, corny lame douche.
WHAT A DISS!!!! “PROCESS” away goat blower.
HA HA the “TROLOL” JDgoatblower is mad at me….. love your mentally inept comments and lack of common sense from mlbtraderumors to prohockeyrumors. Always some nonsense to spout off. Sucks about your new yawk yankees though. GOOOOO BoSox!!!! Sorry to ruin your night, ny dbag.
Oh BTW, you might want to learn what a “TROLL” is on the internet, as you ARE one.
Saros is the goalie of the future in Nashville.. a rental player won’t get saros. Renne’s contract is done this year and saros is signed to a nice three year deal. It will take the same team friendly high upside or multiple high picks to even get Nashville to return a phone call
On him.
I thought I seen somewhere where it said Nashville started negotiations with Rinne. And I know a rental isn’t going to bring back Saros, I never suggested that.
You “thought you seen somewhere” huh? WTF are you from? The new yawk trailer parks? Troll.
Panarin…Ranger.
Agreed! He hates the cannon in Columbus — reminds him of all the Puffed Wheat he was forced to eat as a small child…
Uhhhhh….. BREAD BOY doesn’t want to sign with the blow jackets….
Conclusion: asinine question.
ColumbusT better try to sign what more or less is their “homegrown” goalie in Bobrovsky. Seems obvious they stand a better chance of getting something done with him.
Watch Panarin sign with the Bruins this coming FA period. ;) Perfect fit.
Remember when these boards were filled with conversation and genuine fans^
^No, I just remember for years reading stupid comments from dumbasses like you pretending to be a Boston fans when all you do is feebly try to “slam” teams of the best sports city in the US.
Nice try troll.