Panarin's agent wants 2nd meeting before talking to Blue Jackets

Artemi Panarin's agent wants a second meeting with his client before informing the Columbus Blue Jackets of the forward's attitude toward negotiating a new contract, according to The Athletic's Aaron Portzline.

Dan Milstein met with Panarin in Miami during All-Star weekend to discuss the pending unrestricted free agent's future, a plan that was first reported in November.

The meeting holds significant weight for the Blue Jackets, as Panarin already informed the club prior to training camp that he wouldn't negotiate a contract extension in-season.

If the 27-year-old doesn't have an interest in staying in Columbus, general manager Jarmo Kekalainen will have to work swiftly to deal the dynamic winger before the Feb. 25 trade deadline or risk losing him for nothing in the offseason. The team could also opt to keep him for a playoff run.

Panarin is putting together another outstanding campaign, leading the Blue Jackets with 53 points in 46 games. He carries a $6-million cap hit.