Columbus Blue Jackets: The Best Quotes from Panarin’s Press Conference
Columbus Blue Jackets fans finally got to see the team’s newest star in Union Blue on Wednesday.
Artemi Panarin was finally introduced to the Columbus Blue Jackets faithful as he, his agent, and Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen talked with the media for about 20 minutes.
In that 20 minutes, the Columbus media and fans got to know the Breadman, who seems to be a quite lovable Russian man who likes to smile a lot. Oh, how I ever wished we had another one of those on the roster…
In the press conference, Panarin was quite jovial and he was able to give some pretty funny and exciting quotes. Here are the best ones!
On how to describe his own personality…
"I’m going to bring lots of smiles and good moments for the fans and lots of goals as well."
On learning of being traded while fishing…
"Everything was great until I turned on my phone."
On not getting #72 because of Sergei Bobrovsky…
"I brought the boxing gloves and it will be decided later. There were no options. With two Vezina trophies, no chance."
On people saying that he won’t be able to perform as well without Patrick Kane…
"Throughout my career… People are always saying I’m playing [well] because of somebody else. Nobody remembers when I played prior to the last couple years. I’m used to it and I’m not paying any attention to it. I get a little bit angry at it."
On his nickname…
"I’m used to the name ‘The Breadman’ . In Russia, there is a saying that bread is the head to everything. My grandpa is very happy that I have the nickname."
On communicating with his teammates on the ice without speaking great English…
"Toews and Kane for the most part were arguing on the ice… The swear words were the first words I learned in English."
Even though it was through a translator you can tell Artemi’s english is very good and communication won’t be an issue on the ice. He’s a funny guy and will be a great asset to the club on and off the ice.
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The first presser was entertaining and exciting. Just as Artemi’s play on the ice certainly will be. Can it be October already?