Jackets GM Kekalainen takes a parting shot at Panarin and Bobrovsky!

Not sure this is how you’re going to hold on to your best players, Jarmo…

HockeyFeed
HockeyFeed
Published 4 years ago
Jackets GM Kekalainen takes a parting shot at Panarin and Bobrovsky!
Zuma Press


The Blue Jackets’ season came to an end last night following their playoff elimination at the hands of the Boston Bruins, and it did not take long for the attention to turn to the many free agents on the team that are expected to test free agency and leave Columbus. 

However, while insiders believe the Jackets and general manager Jarmo Kekalainen should give everything they have to hold on to star players like Artemi Panarin and goalie Sergei Bobrovsky, the GM decided to try some reverse psychology on Tuesday… 

Rumors have linked Panarin to the Florida Panthers and New York Rangers, while some have hope that Bobrovsky could have a change of heart and re-sign with the Jackets. Forwards Matt Duchene and Ryan Dzingel are also slated to become unrestricted free agents this summer, both who were acquired from the Ottawa Senators before the trade deadline. Some people say Duchene has been hoping to play for the Predators in Nashville and could take his services there this summer. 

Kekalainen wants to keep his successful group intact however above all, he wants his players to be excited about staying in Columbus. Or else, they can leave and never look back, per team insider Tom Reed. 

 “Moving forward we want guys who are proud to be Blue Jackets, proud to be living in Columbus & loving it here. It’s really important that they bleed blue ... Guys that don’t want to be here — good luck.”


That is quite the bold statement from the GM, especially when we look closely at what they have in their vaults to handle all of these free agents. Cap Friendly indicates the Jackets have over $52.3 million invested in 16 players. Assuming an $83 million cap for the 2019-20, it would mean Columbus would have over $30 million to re-sign some of those UFA or find replacements via trade or free agency.  

Bobrovsky is expected to demand Carey Price money, and we now know Kekalainen won’t spend money on guys he needs to beg to stay in Columbus… 

Source: Twitter