The nine day break the Columbus Blue Jackets are currently on will be a prime opportunity for Jarmo and the front office to evaluate their trade deadline strategy. Much of that will be based off of the information they gather when they meet with Artemi Panarin‘s agent to discuss the star winger’s future in Columbus.
Either way, Jarmo Kekalainen will be active at the trade deadline and all signs point to Panarin staying and the Jackets “going for it”. Whether that means trying to just win their first ever playoff series or make a push to the Cup Finals, this team will certainly be buyers at the deadline.