Panarin breaks silence, talks potential trade destinations and the reasons for firing his agent

Pending unrestricted free agent Artemi Panarin of the Columbus Blue Jackets has always been a quiet man, that’s why it must be so strange for him to see his name in headlines nearly everyday this season. With rumours swirling about his pending free agency and a potential trade ahead of the NHL’s February 25th trade deadline, Panarin has been thrust into the spotlight this season.

Earlier today Panarin decided to part ways with long-time agent Dan Milstein and has hired Paul Theofanous, player agent for teammate and fellow pending UFA Sergei Bobrovsky. This move, of course, threw gasoline on the raging fire surrounding Panarin this season. So much so that the reserved Russian was forced to speak with the media to explain himself, broken English and all.

Check out some of these quotes from Panarin during an exchange with CBJ insider Brian Hedger of the Columbus Dispatch:

Approached by @Aportzline and myself a few mins ago, @9Artemi declined to attempt an interview in English and then walked into a non-accessible part of the locker room. #CBJ
— Brian Hedger (@BrianHedger) February 8, 2019

So, that was awesome. @9Artemi returned from the inaccessible room with a statement in English on his phone about the agent change.

He then agreed to speak with us in English, so long as there was no video or audio put on Twitter.

He was fantastic speaking English. #CBJ⁠ ⁠ pic.twitter.com/DGXAdzZgDU
— Brian Hedger (@BrianHedger) February 8, 2019

Asked Artemi at one point if there was still a chance at all that he would sign with #CBJ in open free agency, and there was some awkward silence and looks, before he eventually said yes, “a chance,” but the way he said that ... nope.
— Brian Hedger (@BrianHedger) February 8, 2019

Artemi Panarin on #CBJ GM Jarmo Kekalainen & possible trade:

"I understand his business, because Stan Bowman (didn't) ask me (either) ... he just trade me. After free (agency), I have a new position, no trades, you know, because I control the situation."
— Brian Hedger (@BrianHedger) February 8, 2019

Artemi Panarin on not signing with #CBJ

"It’s one life, one chance for free agency and I want to test free agency.”
— Brian Hedger (@BrianHedger) February 8, 2019

Is there still a chance Panarin will sign w/ #CBJ in the summer?

AP (Awkward laughter): "Yeah, but … "
— Brian Hedger (@BrianHedger) February 8, 2019

Follow-up: has Artemi eliminated Columbus altogether?

Panarin: "Has he eliminated #CBJ ?

(nervous laughter): “I don’t know. Yeah, (they) have a chance, but … we’ll see what happens in the summer. I want to still (consider) this season and help the team win the Stanley Cup.”
— Brian Hedger (@BrianHedger) February 8, 2019

Is Artemi Panarin ready to be traded, if that's what Jarmo Kekalainen & Co. decide to go?

"Yeah, yeah. I’m ready for everything, because I still enjoy and just play hockey. If Jarmo trade me, it’s get working. That’s it."#CBJ
— Brian Hedger (@BrianHedger) February 8, 2019

As for Artemi Panarin already having a team and city (beach spot) all picked out ...

“Not right now, no. Seriously, guys, I don't have a team. I don't have one team where I want to go ... We’ll see what happens in the summer, but right now I don’t know what I want.”#CBJ
— Brian Hedger (@BrianHedger) February 8, 2019

Artemi Panarin was touched by the billboard campaign to keep him here, but ...

“It’s amazing. I feel really good after that. It's harder for me to keep talking about my free agency, because I see how people want me to stay in Columbus, and it’s harder, but it’s my life."#CBJ
— Brian Hedger (@BrianHedger) February 8, 2019

Panarin on why he switched agents (again):

"I leave for Paul because Paul has been working in this league for years. Lots of time. He knows more how the league works, how general managers are thinking."#CBJ
— Brian Hedger (@BrianHedger) February 8, 2019

Panarin called former agent Dan Milstein prior to #CBJ 4-2 win Thursday night in Arizona.

"Not easy, but I live in the U.S. I'm more business man now. I was friends with him and never thinking about this business. Right now, I’m thinking about this as a business."#CBJ
— Brian Hedger (@BrianHedger) February 8, 2019

I’ll say this much, Panarin is very sincere and forthcoming. He’s not leading anyone on with his words or actions, unlike John Tavares did at this point last season with the New York Islanders. Panarin has made it clear, it’s his life, it’s his decision and he’s testing the open market. Beyond that… no promises. To anyone.

Suffice it to say, there’s still a lot left to be decided between now and the time Panarin inks his next contract.