Report: Predators inquired about Blue Jackets' Panarin

The Nashville Predators have inquired with the Columbus Blue Jackets regarding star forward Artemi Panarin, according to The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun.

Panarin is a pending unrestricted free agent and has let the Blue Jackets know that he won't discuss his future with the team until the end of the season.

The Blue Jackets are currently three points up on the Buffalo Sabres for the Eastern Conference's second wild-card spot. They could hang on to Panarin for a playoff run, but would then risk losing him for nothing in the summer.

Nashville is one of the few contending teams able to comfortably afford Panarin's $6-million cap hit this season.

The Predators trail the Winnipeg Jets by three points for top spot in the Central Division. Panarin's 60 points would lead the Predators by a margin of 15, and the highly-skilled forward could provide a spark to the club's 30th-ranked power play.