The Columbus Blue Jackets knew that they were going to lose an unrestricted free agent or two during this offseason. It isn't going to make it any easier though for the fans.
Goalie Sergei Bobrovsky and forward Artemi Panarin are set to meet with the Florida Panthers on Monday, June 24. This is according to a tweet from TSN's Bob Mckenzie. Agent Paul Theofanous represents the two players.
NHL UFA speaking period opens Sunday. Coveted free agent goalie Sergei Bobrovsky and winger Artemi Panarin will be in FLA to meet with the Panthers on Monday. FLA would like to sign both but need a goalie more than a forward so the priority may be Bob.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) June 22, 2019
Both players are looking for big-ticket offers, and it appears that the Panthers are front runners for the two.
The question becomes, what do the two players command and does having the same agent represent a conflict of interest of sorts. Who makes more and are the years any different for the two players. It will be a delicate dance for everyone involved.
The saga involving these unrestricted free agents is going to come to a close soon enough. We may get an indication sooner rather than later on what the outcome may be.
