Artemi Panarin Trade Talks Heating Up - But Only on His Terms
The Artemi Panarin sweepstakes are officially underway, and the New York Rangers winger isn't just looking for a new home - he's looking for a long-term one.
After a recent meeting with Rangers GM Chris Drury, Panarin was informed that the team won’t be pursuing a contract extension. Instead, they’ll work with him and his agent, Paul Theofanous, to find a trade partner. Theofanous has been granted permission to speak directly with other teams, and the message from Panarin’s camp is clear: if he’s moving, he wants a deal that comes with an extension.
That caveat is already shaping the market.
Some clubs are more intrigued by the idea of a rental - a high-impact winger for a playoff push, no strings attached. Others, particularly those with aging cores or looming offensive gaps, are more inclined to consider locking Panarin in long-term.
One of the more intriguing fits? The Washington Capitals.
With Alex Ovechkin’s future uncertain beyond this season, Panarin could slide in as a natural heir to the offensive throne in D.C. If the Caps are serious, it’s hard to imagine them not pushing for an extension as part of the deal.
Out West, Panarin’s camp has already reached out to all three California teams - Anaheim, Los Angeles, and San Jose. The Ducks were an early name in the mix, thanks in part to Panarin’s past connection with Joel Quenneville from their Chicago days.
But Anaheim’s out for now. They’ve got their own core of young talent due for major extensions, and tying up cap space on a veteran winger doesn’t align with their long-term plans.
The Sharks have had conversations with the Rangers, but it’s unclear how deep those talks have gone. San Jose has room to maneuver, but whether they’re ready to make a splash for a player like Panarin - and whether he fits their timeline - remains to be seen.
The Kings are in an interesting spot. With Anze Kopitar set to retire after the season, they’re more in the market for a center than a winger.
They do have the cap space to make an extension work, but sources suggest they’re not pushing particularly hard right now. Their priorities may lie elsewhere.
Meanwhile, keep an eye on the Carolina Hurricanes. They’ve reportedly kicked the tires on Panarin, but there are two big questions: Does he fit their fast-paced, system-driven style? And would owner Tom Dundon be willing to commit that kind of money to a player who doesn’t necessarily scream “Hurricanes hockey”?
Then there’s Florida. The Panthers are believed to be high on Panarin’s personal wish list, and it’s not hard to see why.
The team is built to win now, and adding a player of his caliber could push them over the top. But the cap math is complicated.
Florida would need to get creative - and maybe a little aggressive - to make it work.
Bottom line: Panarin is still an elite playmaker with plenty left in the tank, and he’s not going to settle for a short-term fix. Wherever he lands, he wants to be part of the long-term vision. That narrows the field - but for the right team, it could be a franchise-altering move.