Panarin to discuss business with agent during January break

Columbus Blue Jackets winger Artemi Panarin may not be willing to negotiate a contract extension with the season underway, but that apparently isn't stopping him from discussing his future with his agent.

Panarin and his agent, Dan Milstein, will sit down and discuss business during the club's bye week in January, Milstein told Brian Hedger of The Columbus Dispatch.

"Artemi and I are going to discuss business when he is ready," Milstein said. "He is genuinely happy with the way things are going this season."

The Blue Jackets don't play a single game from Jan. 20 to 29 thanks to the combination of their bye week and All-Star Weekend.

Panarin is likely set for a raise from his current $6-million salary, and the organization faces a similar scenario with goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, who privately laid out his future plans with the team in September.

The Blue Jackets sit one point off the Metropolitan Division lead through 24 contests this year. Panarin leads the team with 26 points.