Columbus Blue Jackets forward Artemi Panarin did not play Tuesday against the Montreal Canadiens because of what the team described as an illness. 

General manager Jarmo Kekalainen stated "emphatically" to The Athletic's Aaron Portzline that Panarin is ill and is not being held out of the lineup to protect an asset as the trade deadline approaches. 

Head coach John Tortorella told reporters Tuesday that Panarin is sick and "puking his guts out."

Panarin currently occupies the top spot on TSN's Trade Bait Board. In 56 games so far this season, he has 24 goals and 43 assists. 

Columbus last played without Panarin on Dec. 17 when he suffered a lower-body injury and was ruled out shortly before the game. They went on to beat the Vegas Golden Knights by a score of 1-0.

This is his second season in Columbus after coming over from the Chicago Blackhawks in a deal from June of 2017. 

Following their 3-2 loss to the Habs, Columbus will be back in action against the Ottawa Senators on Friday.