Breaking: Blue Jackets pull Panarin off the trade market!

The Columbus Blue Jackets made a splash on Friday, acquiring Ottawa Senators pending free agent forward Matt Duchene right before facing the Sens later tonight in a game.

The Senators traded Duchene and defenseman Julius Bergman to the Jackets for forward prospects Vitaly Abramov and Jonathan Davidsson, a 2019 first-round pick and a conditional 2020 first-round pick, TSN Hockey Insiders Darren Dreger and Bob McKenzie report.

I believe it’s a first rounder, Abramov and Davidsson for Duchene and Bergman plus a conditional first to OTT if Duchene signs in CBJ.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) February 22, 2019

So if Duchene re-signs in CBJ, it would two firsts plus the two prospects.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) February 22, 2019

GM Jarmo Kekalainen has made it clear: he is going all out for the playoffs. Therefore, it is now believed by many NHL insiders that Jackets star forward Artemi Panarin has officially been taken off the market and that Columbus will make the push for a long playoff run with Duchene, Panarin and pending UFA goalie Sergei Bobrovsky.

It is also believed that Duchene is glad to be moved to Columbus as a free agent, however refuses to discuss a contract extension at the moment. He is likely to go ahead and test the free agency market this summer.

Hearing Duchene happy to play the role of the rental but as of now no talk about any contract extension between @BlueJacketsNHL and Duchene. Things could change but early indication is Panarin will not be traded in hopes of a long playoff run. https://t.co/3M27ebxz91
— Nick Kypreos (@RealKyper) February 22, 2019

Bob in goal. Panarin in the lineup tonight. Also, Duclair will remain in the lineup. Sedlak is scratched. Hannikainen remains out. #CBJ
— Tom Reed (@treed1919) February 22, 2019

Duchene said to be excited about trade to CBJ. No extension talk at this time. Belief is the Blue Jackets are loading up for playoffs.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) February 22, 2019

Right before the trade took place, Panarin and Bobrovsky were set to take part in tonight’s lineup against the Sens. Clearly, the Blue Jackets are loading up for the playoffs.

Go big or go home.