Artemi Panarin is officially at the center of the NHL trade universe, and the situation is moving fast. The New York Rangers have pulled the star winger from their lineup, signaling that a deal is not only possible — it’s expected. With the Olympics acting as an unofficial deadline and Panarin holding full control through his no-movement clause, the league-wide drama is only intensifying.
According to Elliotte Friedman, the Rangers have told Panarin he will not be offered an extension, which has accelerated everything. Chris Johnston added that it’s “pretty clear” New York wants this handled before the Olympic roster freeze. That gives the Rangers only a small window to execute what could become the biggest blockbuster of the season.
An aging Panarin, who is still one of the NHL’s most dangerous offensive weapons, won’t come cheap — especially since he’s believed to want a long-term extension as part of any trade.
So, which teams are actually in this?
The Rangers’ decision to retool has pushed Panarin straight to the front of the trade market. Panarin is not part of their long-term plans, but will he be part of someone else’s?
Mike Sullivan called him “one of the best Rangers of his generation” and admitted he’s not an easy player to replace. If another team believes that to be true, they might take a big swing, even knowing his production is likely to regress as he enters his late 30s.
The Rangers sitting him out until a deal is done is a loud signal to the rest of the league. They want this done. A return that includes top assets — likely a first-round pick and premium prospects is the asking price. But, as teams drop out of the running, and Panarin controls his next destination, it’s hard to know what the Rangers will get.
Early reporting from Vince Mercogliano suggests the Colorado Avalanche and Washington Capitals were early frontrunners.
Hockey News