Kekalainen keeps options open with Panarin
DALLAS — Jarmo Kekalainen said Friday that he wanted to sign Artemi Panarin to a long-term contract extension but would continue to listen to trade offers for the wing because his responsibility as general manager is to “take care of the Columbus Blue Jackets.”
Kekalainen said the team is ready to offer Panarin an eight-year deal when he comes to the negotiating table. Earlier this week, word leaked that Panarin was not willing to talk about an extension with the team “at this time.”
Panarin is signed through this coming season but could become an unrestricted free agent — and walk away — next July.
Panarin, as well as goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, cannot sign contract extensions with the Jackets until July 1. Bobrovsky can become a free agent next summer, as well.
“Our priority is to get (Panarin) signed, and we’re FRIDAY’S SELECTION LIAM FOUDY First round, No. 18 overall Pos.: C Size: 6-0, 174 Notable: 18-year-old Toronto native who had 24 goals for London in 2017-18, his second year in the Ontario Hockey League. After minimal ice time in first half of season, had a monster second half that included 14 goals in 13 games. Ranked No. 91 among North American skaters at midterm but finished No. 19. His mother, France Gureau, won a silver medal at the 1984 Summer Olympics in track and field, and his father, Sean Foudy, played six seasons in the Canadian Football League as a defensive back.
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working on doing everything we can to keep him in Columbus,” Kekalainen said Friday before the start of the NHL draft. “He’s a great player, and we also love him as a player and a teammate. I have nothing but good things to say about Artemi.”
Panarin was acquired by the Blue Jackets at the draft in Chicago last June, with the team sending Brandon Saad to the Blackhawks. Panarin was brought in as a game-breaking forward the Blue Jackets were missing, and the move paid off as he led the team in goals, assists and points.
There have been reports Kekalainen has been fielding offers for Panarin.
“This is my job,” Kekalainen said. “You have to take the emotion out of it. Artemi has done everything right for us, is a great player. We love him. We want to have him for eight years, have made it clear to him that we want him to be a big part of our future, we want to build our team around him. That doesn’t change.
“We will keep trying until it’s too late, if it is too late. Hopefully not.”
Panarin made $6 million last season in the first year of a two-year bridge contract he signed with the Blackhawks in 2016. Panarin will again make $6 million in 2018-19.
“I never rule out anything,” Kekalainen said. “(Wayne) Gretzky got traded. I know it’s a cliche that’s been used before, but if someone throws something at us to make our team better in the long run and makes our organization stronger, we have to listen and look at it.”
As for Bobrovsky, Kekalainen said he and Panarin are held in similar regard by the organization.
“We have had some dialogue,” Kekalainen said. “He’s a huge part of our franchise, our team. He does everything right on and off the ice. He’s a great pro, sets a great example, is a great leader. We hope to have him for a long time.” Kekalainen said the team has had “conversations” with representatives of the Jackets’ pending unrestricted free agents, which include Ian Cole, Jack Johnson, Matt Calvert and Mark Letestu.
“There are a lot of different options right now, a lot of talks,” Kekalainen said. “They have that right (to wait until) July 1, and we respect that. … Sometimes, there’s just no agreement to be made, and you move forward.”
The Jackets will have their annual development camp with most of the draft picks participating, along with select prospects.
The first on-ice session at the Ice Haus is Monday at 10 a.m., with workouts through Thursday.
On Thursday, the team will hold a 3-on-3 tournament beginning at 4:30 p.m. All sessions are free and open to the public.