On Monday, negotiations were held in Nice Panarin and his agent Dan Milstein with the general manager of "Columbus" with Jarmo Kekelainenom. The hockey player has designated the point of view, that now is not ready to prolong the contract with "Blue Jackets". That is, now the club must either exchange its superstar, or in a year it will lose it just like that.
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A very intriguing story would be returning to Chicago, but as far as I know, the probability of this is zero. Personally, I wonder if Panarin - a guy with a character - will return to where he, in fact, betrayed. Refused from the player in order to ram out the payroll. Now you can bite your elbows, especially "Chicago" did not get into the playoffs. But it is unlikely that Artemije will enter the same river for the second time.
From my point of view, the ideal option would be to go to Tampa, where Panarin would be given about $ 9.5 million a year - like Nikita Kucherov. And he would play in a link with Kucherov and center forward Steven Stamkos. It would be a bomb triple! Yes, and "Tampa" is now almost the main contender for the Stanley Cup. But as I know, Panarin outlined a number of clubs, in one of which I would like to be in the next 7-8 years. Not only play there, but also live, build a family, raise children. In general, drop anchor.
But there is a risk that Panarin can spend the next season not in the team where he sees his future. Right now, "Columbus" will exchange it for some outsider club ... - I continue the conversation with Milstein. - The probability of this is. But in principle, this club should understand that if Artemia takes it, then he will be ready to sign a long-term contract there. Although there are different options. You can take a player for a year to go with him for the Stanley Cup. Or stay in the "Columbus", and in February for Panarina will receive draft peaks and something else. Or leave until the end of the season. The strategy can be completely different.
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A long-term contract is probable for seven to eight years," says Milstein. - At the same time, I emphasize that Artemy does not chase money at all. This is for him - not the main priority. Important place where he wants to play. "Bring me the biggest contract" - Panarin does not live by this principle at all
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There is something similar here. But I will say this: at the height of the season Artemiy wants not to negotiate a contract, but to play hockey. And if there is any decision - either in favor of "Columbus", or exchange to another team - then it must be accepted until September 13, when the training camp "Blue Jackets" will open. Well, or the decision will be after the season. We are talking about what depends on Panarin. And it's specifically about a long-term contract. He wants to do his job and be the best on ice.
We communicate with Artem every day. He perfectly understands that he can be exchanged. Perhaps one day it will happen. But in the middle of the season to arrange a "circus with horses" - this is wrong. Therefore, I repeat: Panarin and I decided that we will negotiate with Columbus or another club only before the opening of the camp. If this does not happen before September 13, then everything is postponed to the next summer. The only way.
