Panarin willing to discuss future with Blue Jackets in offseason

Columbus Blue Jackets forward Artemi Panarin will not be discussing his future with the team until the end of the season, his agent, Dan Milstein, announced Monday.

After meeting over the weekend in Miami, Milstein called a second meeting with his client before informing the team on Panarin's willingness to negotiate a new contract, according to The Athletic's Aaron Portzline.

The decision puts Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen in a difficult spot, as he must now decide whether to deal the star forward before the Feb. 25 deadline. If he chooses to try and sign Panarin in the offseason, he risks losing him for nothing.

The 27-year-old is set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1 and will draw immense interest around the league.