When you look at those lines and that roster its hard to argue. Its really a shame Panarin isn't a fan of Columbus because this roster is strong. Another MVP performance from BOB, maybe have Jones step up to another level (I think under Tort he has another level) and another PPG season from Panarin and you're a deep playoff team. You just have to sell the team what the message and that means having everyone wanting to be there and wanting to win.

Its Ok. Im staying.

Panarin is still in Columbus, possibly all season and for that deep playoff run. He didn’t request to be traded to Columbus and doesn’t have to re-sign with them. The Blue Jackets can trade him anytime they deem proper or they can let him walk next summer. As long as this isn’t a major distraction, there is no reason the Jackets can’t be as good or better than last year.

My worry was him being a distraction, plus now there are reports of him demanding a trade and putting Columbus on the clock

Wow! I knew he had a mid September deadline to work something out. Didn’t realize he also may want a trade. When he was still a Blackhawk in the summer of ‘16, there was a picture of him in Russia wearing San Jose Sharks hat while hanging out with some buddies. Good luck with whatever the future brings to th3 Jackets anyways!

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Living in Columbus is way better than living in Toledo. There is so much more to do here and better opportunities for my daughter to grow. I Would just hat for this whole thing to turn into a John Tavares deal and leave us with nothing we the 5th line know all to well about getting screwed over by all-star talent that does not want to be in Columbus. I love Panarin as a player and hope he changes his mind.