Artemi Panarin has given the Columbus Blue Jackets a deadline to discuss any business matters with him.
The talented forward told general manager Jarmo Kekalainen on Thursday that as of Sept. 13 when training camp begins he won't discuss matters such as a potential contract extension or a trade, Panarin's agent, Daniel Milstein, confirmed to The Athletic's Aaron Portzline.
"Artemi loves hockey," Milstein said. "He hates the business side of hockey.
"When the season starts, the focus can only be on playing. He's going to play his best and give his best to the hockey club."
The deadline relates largely to the trade front, as it was reported last month that Panarin is not willing to discuss an extension with Columbus, and that stance has apparently not changed.
Related: 'No contract progress' in talks between Panarin, Blue Jackets, says agent
Panarin will become an unrestricted free agent next offseason, and after watching the New York Islanders lose star John Tavares in free agency, wisdom suggests the Blue Jackets would like to avoid losing Panarin for nothing as well.
Portzline added that according to sources, Columbus has received several "legitimate" trade offers for Panarin, but that the return is not expected to be more than prospects and draft picks unless Panarin agrees to an extension with the team that acquires him.
The 26-year-old is coming off his first season with the Blue Jackets, in which he set the franchise's single-season scoring record with 82 points in 81 games.
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