from Jeff Svoboda of the Blue Jackets website,

The Blue Jackets' quiet superstar had something to say Friday.

A native of Russia who isn't the most comfortable speaking to the media in his second language, Artemi Panarin has done very few interviews in English throughout the season. But with the trade deadline nearing -- and one day after he switched agents ahead of his impending summer of free agency -- the Blue Jackets' leading scorer talked about the decision that he faces this offseason.

And summer is when the dynamic 27-year-old winger, who is in line for the biggest contract of his career, will make his decision.

"I want to test free agency," he said after Friday's practice, one day before the Blue Jackets take on Vegas. "There is still a chance (I could re-sign with Columbus), but I want to see in the summer if I feel there are better options."

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