Panarin doesn’t show up to meeting with interested team

Pending unrestricted free agent forward Artemi Panarin met with the New York Rangers on Wednesday, but another team wasn’t as lucky.. 

The Russian sniper is set to become an unrestricted free agent on Monday and is looking to play elsewhere than in Columbus, but he seems to have given false hope to a team who thought they were in the sweepstakes for his services. 

According to Elliotte Friedman, the Colorado Avalanche thought they had a shot until Panarin didn’t show up to meet with them and sent in his agent to hear what the team had to say.

"His agent met with Colorado, Panarin never specifically met with Colorado. I think it's Islanders, Rangers or Panthers. I think if LA was in this, he would've seriously considered them, but as far as I know, LA is not in this."

Panarin personally met with the management of the Florida Panthers and Rangers, and is rumoured to be meeting soon with Lou Lamoriello of the New York Islanders. Many insiders including Friedman believe Panarin will choose between these three clubs. 

While the Avalanche might have had significant interest for the winger, they will have to move on…