Latest Artemi Panarin trade rumors
The Athletic: Artemi Panarin is due to become a UFA next summer. However, the 26-year-old left winger expressed reluctance to discuss a contract extension “at this time”. Having tallied a career-high 82 points last season, Panarin would attract considerable interest around the league. His agent, Dan Milstein, recently told Aaron Portzline that his client isn’t sure if he wants to spend up to eight seasons in Columbus. Milstein also said Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen was fielding trade offers. The Jackets, however, would need a return that helps them now and in the future.
Jeff Skinner and Justin Faulk likely to be traded
The Athletic: Jeff Skinner is a speedy scoring left wing who’s a year away from UFA status. Justin Faulk, meanwhile, is an experienced top-four defenceman carrying an affordable $4.83-million salary-cap hit through 2019-20. With the Hurricanes under new management and looking to shake up their roster, both players have been fixtures in the trade-rumour mill for months. The Pittsburgh Penguins and San Jose Sharks could have interest in Skinner, while Faulk’s been linked to the Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings.
Pittsburgh Penguins seeking left-wing help
PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE: Rather than swing a trade for Max Pacioretty or Jeff Skinner, Jason Mackey reported the Penguins pan to test center Derick Brassard at left wing during training camp. Brassard has spend his entire NHL career as a center. If that experiment works well, Mackey speculates GM Jim Rutherford could perhaps trade left wing Carl Hagelin “and appropriate his salary elsewhere.”
