[sureLoss]

https://theathletic.com/437746/2018/...t-13-deadline/

Blue​ Jackets general​ manager Jarmo Kekalainen​ insisted​ that​ his​ meeting on Sunday in Nice, France,​ with forward Artemi​ Panarin wouldn’t​​ include a contract offer and it wouldn’t find him begging or pleading for Panarin to stay long-term in Columbus.

Even in the intoxicating breezes of the French Riviera, Kekalainen stayed true to his word during a 45-minute meeting, which was said to be cordial and professional.

But the meeting wasn’t without developments.

Panarin informed Kekalainen that he wants all business matters pushed aside as of Sept. 13, the day training camp opens in Columbus and across the NHL. Panarin’s agent confirmed this to The Athletic on Thursday.

The consensus around the NHL — speaking with GMs, management types, etc. — is that Panarin’s willingness to sign an extension with his new club would be the difference between a trade that provides the Blue Jackets an immediate roster impact and a trade that involves only future commodities, such as high-end prospects and early-round draft picks.

Kekalainen has said he expects Panarin to be with the Blue Jackets when the season starts, perhaps all the way to the NHL trade deadline and beyond.

But if Panarin insists upon the Sept. 13 deadline, the Blue Jackets could have less than two months to make their best trade, or at least the trade that helps them most in the short term.

Article also says the BJs have some legitimate offers but all of them involve future assets.