Dan Rosen of NHL.com answers questions from the fans.

Does Artemi Panarin play the season out in Columbus or is he dealt? Which teams are a fit for a trade if he is dealt?

I think he should be traded before the season. I don't know if that is what the Columbus Blue Jackets will do, but it's the only good solution because Panarin, who had 82 points (27 goals, 55 assists) in 81 games last season, couldn't be making it any clearer that he envisions settling into a long-term contract with another team. It doesn't seem like he has any animosity toward the Blue Jackets, but Panarin has told them he is not willing to negotiate a new contract and would become an unrestricted free agent after this season. General manager Jarmo Kekalainen must gather a list of teams that interest Panarin, ones that are willing to sign him to a contract extension, and the Blue Jackets then would trade him for the best possible return. It's as if they'd be operating under the pretenses that Panarin has a limited no-trade clause even though he does not. Columbus wouldn't be dealing from a position of strength because every team in the NHL knows what is happening. That's why it's possible, if not likely, that the Blue Jackets won't be able to recoup Panarin's full value in a trade. It stinks, but it's the reality of a difficult situation the Blue Jackets didn't create but must live with....

Will the Edmonton Oilers rebound in some way, shape or form with the additions of the new assistant coaches, depth at forward and a new backup goalie? What else do they need to do to add to their team to make the playoffs?

If I had to do predictions today, I wouldn't pick the Oilers to make the playoffs, not in the Pacific Division, where at least the Golden Knights, San Jose Sharks, Los Angeles Kings and Anaheim Ducks have to be considered better than Edmonton. The Calgary Flames might be too, and the Arizona Coyotes are on the rise. There is too much uncertainty in Edmonton outside of captain Connor McDavid. He can only do so much. He needs help. He doesn't have enough.

The Oilers' chances can't be considered very good if they're banking on the following: resurgent seasons from goalie Cam Talbot (31-31-3, 3.02 goals-against average, .908 save percentage last season) and left wing Milan Lucic (34 points in 82 games last season); growth from 20-year-old right wing Jesse Puljujarvi (20 points in 65 games last season); the possibility that 19-year-old forward Kailor Yamamoto can be a dynamic player; and the hope the power play can improve (it was last in the NHL at 14.8 percent) with new assistants Glen Gulutzan and Manny Viveiros working on it (new assistant Trent Yawney will handle the penalty kill). That's what I mean by uncertainty....

more on each of the above plus more Q & A...