Artemi Panarin looks poised to begin what could be his final chapter in Columbus.
According to The Athletic’s Aaron Portzline, Panarin will arrive in Columbus this weekend, ahead of training camp, which starts on September 13.
Told #CBJ Artemi Panarin plans to arrive in Columbus this weekend. Unclear if hell skate with Blue Jackets in advance of camp. Physicals are 9/13.
— Aaron Portzline (@Aportzline) September 6, 2018
If that date sticks out, it’s because that’s also the date that Panarin and his agent said is the cut-off for contract negotiations. That’s a moot point, though, as they also said he’s not interested in discussing an extension ‘at this time.’
Panarin hasn’t been in Columbus since the news of his refusal to sign an extension broke a couple of months back – and it’s a story that’s dominated the local beat (and gotten a ton of play in the national hockey media sphere) ever since.
A contingent of Blue Jackets has been training at the OhioHealth Ice Haus in preparation of the season – and more will likely join them in the coming days – but, as Portzline notes, it’s unknown whether or not Panarin will hit the ice with them before the official start of camp.
