Dan Milstein, Artemi Panarin's agent, confirmed that discussions relating to the Russian winger's future will occur during the NHL All-Star break in late January.
During Friday afternoon's 'Leafs Lunch', Milstein was non-committal but spoke glowingly of Panarin's relationship with his teammates, coaching staff, management and city.
"Artemi is genuinely happy right now in Columbus," Milstein said on TSN 1050. "He obviously likes the organization.... They're a good young team, they're doing everything right."
It is worth noting that, like many player-agent relationships, Panarin and Milstein speak "on a daily basis covering different topics." Milstein mentioned that Panarin doesn't enjoy discussing business during the season and the All-Star break affords players time away from their current team.
Artemi Panarin's agent Dan Milstein is on @LeafsLunch1050. Confirmed discussions about "what the future might hold" will take place at All-Star break. One notable comment: "Artemi is very happy in Columbus." Likes the young team the #CBJ has, playing with PLD.
— Jeff Svoboda (@JacketsInsider) December 28, 2018
"We're going to talk about, obviously the team itself, the prospects for the future... we're going to be looking at rosters, looking at teams, looking at his future role that he may have on the team... I just want to be up front that he likes it in Columbus. He's got a very good center and management has been nothing but great to him," Milstein said.
Milstein also said that Sergei Bobrovsky's future with Columbus has no bearing on Panarin's decision, and in "no way are they a package."
"Everybody will have to wait just a little bit longer," Milstein said.
