Columbus Blue Jackets: Does Kekalainen’s Future Rest With Panarin?
By William Espy
Kekalainen and Panarin are both entering the final year of their deals with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
The Columbus Blue Jackets signed general manager Jarmo Kekalainen to a two year contract extension on September 6, 2016 which would take him through the 2018-2019 season according to Aaron Portzline.
Artemi Panarin‘s contract is also set to expire after this season and with Elliotte Friedman‘s recent news that he’s not ready to sign an extension, the pressure has been put on Kekalainen’s shoulders. If he fails to solve the issue, whether through trade or an extension later in the year and the team loses Panarin for nothing, then Kekalainen may be the one who suffers as a result.
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Jarmo Kekalainen has been the most successful Blue Jackets general manager to date. Unfortunately, since the acquisition of Panarin for Brandon Saad was a move that he made, it’s likely that ownership would blame him for giving up a long term asset for a short term rental if the Blue Jackets lose Panarin for nothing.
As a result, expect Kekalainen to do whatever is necessary to guarantee he has some sort of asset locked up going into the 2019-2020 season whether it be Panarin or something he receives for him in a trade.
Keeping Artemi Panarin is the most beneficial move for the Blue Jackets, as he bring a level of star power that the team has never seen before. Not even the widely considered greatest Blue Jacket of all-time Rick Nash had the skill set of Panarin.
Next: 5 Reasons why CBJ Fans Should Relax about Artemi Panarin
While it’s unlikely that this situation will cost Jarmo Kekalainen his job with the Columbus Blue Jackets by itself, if he makes any other mistakes this upcoming season then it could end badly for the first Finnish general manager in NHL history. It goes without saying, Kekalainen has one of the most difficult seasons coming up of all NHL general managers.