COLUMBUS— The Blue Jackets return from the NHL All-Star break Tuesday night when they host the Buffalo Sabres, hoping to maintain their hot streak.
The uncertain contract situation of stars Sergei Bobrovsky and Artemi Panarin hasn’t kept the Blue Jackets from winning.
Goalie Bobrovsky and winger Panarin have declined to re-sign with Columbus, which means one or both could be on the trading block before the league’s Feb. 25 deadline.
https://twitter.com/HockeyAgent1/status/1090025846574927876
The Blue Jackets won five of their last eight games heading into the break and are sparring with the New York Islanders, Washington and Pittsburgh for an edge in the Metropolitan Division.
Panarin’s agent says the star forward won’t discuss a new contract until after the season.
Dan Milstein tweeted a statement saying Panarin’s “priority now is to focus on the rest of the season.” Panarin will be an unrestricted free agent.