What felt inevitable for awhile is now happening. Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky and forward Artemi Panarin have both left the Columbus Blue Jackets, and will be suiting up for different clubs in the 2019-20 season.
Sergei Bobrovsky is now a Florida Panther, after winning the Vezina Trophy in 2013 and 2017 while a member of the Blue Jackets. His new contract comes in at seven years and $70 million.
Bobrovsky 7x10, NMC first five years
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) July 1, 2019
It's felt like Artemi Panarin has wanted to play in another city for some time, and he's officially signing with the New York Rangers. As reports began to surface late Sunday night, it sounded like Panarin was signing with the New York Islanders – but the Rangers re-entered the picture on Monday morning and were able to close the deal.
Panarin led Columbus in points the previous two campaigns and leaves Ohio's capital city as the most talented and skilled player to ever wear the sweater. He's getting paid handsomely by the Rangers, who are now led by former Blue Jackets president John Davidson.
Panarin looks like $81.5M over 7 to NYR
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) July 1, 2019
Columbus has plenty of cap space, and signed free-agent forward Gustav Nyquist to a four-year deal on Monday afternoon. Now, they have to attempt to replace the production from one of the best goaltenders in the league and a premier top-line left winger.
