A recent report on Artemi Panarin has left fans speculating that he's on the move

BarDown Staff

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Artemi Panarin could be wearing a new jersey in a year’s time.

The Russian is heading into the final year of a two-year, $6 million deal with the Columbus Blue Jackets but recent reports have suggested that he’s not committed to sticking around in Columbus. At least for the time being.

NHL.com contributor Igor Eronko recently reported that Panarin met with Columbus’ general manager Jarmo Kekalainen for 45 minutes, and that he’s still not ready to sign long term with the team.

Meeting between Jarmo Kekalainen and Panarin took 45 minutes. Told that Artemi is still not ready to sign a long term deal #CBJ
— Igor Eronko (@IgorEronko) July 16, 2018

The tweet has led fans to all sorts of different speculation. Some are starting to argue that the Islanders should make a move for the forward, while others are saying that the team needs to just flat-out trade him.

We have great Bread, Bagels and Pizza on Long Island :) BRING THE BREAD MAN!
— RichZIsles (@ZmanIsles) July 16, 2018

What would New York part with for Panarin?
— Preston Byers (@PresByers) July 16, 2018

He doesn't want to be here, have to trade him
— Marc Hrusch (@AccountingGuy) July 16, 2018

#CBJ got to trade him ASAP
— Scott Bagenstose (@scottebags) July 16, 2018

Bye bye Bread
— Stefan Laslo (@LazToo) July 16, 2018

#CBJ, bye, bye
— fan (@87_StasPopov) July 16, 2018

Some are even predicting he could be heading to Pittsburgh. Can you imagine this guy on a line with Crosby or Malkin?

If he hates columbus I highly doubt Pittsburgh is where he’d want to go. There’s not a trade worth 80 points a year out there. He will give us his all this year to get a huge deal next year . Keep him and make a run this year.
— Bob Murch (@bob_murch) July 16, 2018

He’d look good in a penguins jersey. Trade Brassard for him.
— Frakn (@Frakn2) July 16, 2018

I'd say 1 for 1 trade for Kessel but Torts wouldn't want him.
— DomⓂ⚪🔴 Kotkaniemi 🐐 (@DomUn1que) July 16, 2018

At just 26 years of age, Panarin could be looking to sign the first long-term contract of his NHL career. It seems unlikely that it will be with the Blue Jackets at this point, but he’ll be an interesting player to watch over the summer.

(H/T Igor Eronko)