"Artemi and I are going to sit down to discuss business when he is ready," agent Dan Milstein told The Columbus Dispatch
The 27-year-old forward is in the final season of a two-year contract he signed with the Chicago Blackhawks on Dec. 28, 2016. He has been eligible to sign a contract extension with the Blue Jackets since July 1, but he said he would not have contract discussions during the season after the two sides failed to reach an agreement prior to training camp in September.
"He is genuinely happy with the way things are going this season," Milstein said. "We will talk business during his break (in January)."
Columbus will have its mandatory five-day break from Jan. 20-24, followed by the 2019 Honda NHL All-Star Game Jan. 25-26. Panarin's future could involve being traded prior to the 2019 NHL Trade Deadline (Feb. 25 at 3 p.m. ET).
Panarin leads the Blue Jackets with 26 points (six goals, 20 assists) this season.
"For now, there is no pressure from the club," Milstein said. "It's all about the team winning."
The Blue Jackets (14-8-2) are in second place in the Metropolitan Division and host the Minnesota Wild on Thursday (7 p.m. ET; FS-O, FS-N, FS-WI, NHL.TV).
