Regardless of whether you think Artemi Panarin is going to re-sign with the Columbus Blue Jackets or not, one thing is for sure. GM Jarmo Kekalainen and his staff are not going to watch the star winger walk off into the sunset empty-handed.
As it stands, Panarin’s top-notch agent Dan Milstein is doing what any good agent would do. Play hard to get, drag the process out, create desperation, and do everything possible to get your player top dollar. I have stood on the side of optimism, but even if the Bread Man wants out of Columbus, it won’t be for nothing.