Hurricanes Made Serious Push for Artemi Panarin Before Kings Trade Went Down
Artemi Panarin is headed west. The LA Kings made the splash, landing the Russian superstar winger in a blockbuster midseason trade with the New York Rangers. But before the deal was finalized, the Carolina Hurricanes were very much in the mix - and they weren’t just kicking tires.
Sources around the league confirm that Carolina made a significant offer for Panarin. Not only were they willing to meet the Rangers’ asking price, but they also were prepared to offer Panarin an extension - a sticking point that reportedly kept some other interested teams from going all-in. That kind of commitment tells you just how serious the Hurricanes were about bringing in one of the league’s most dynamic offensive weapons.
And it’s not hard to see why. Panarin has been a thorn in Carolina’s side for years.
His Rangers have knocked the Hurricanes out of the playoffs twice in the last four postseasons, and he’s been a game-breaker in every sense. When a player like that hits the market, you expect a team like Carolina - a perennial contender still chasing that elusive Stanley Cup - to be in the conversation.
And they were.
League insider Elliotte Friedman noted that there was chatter Panarin’s agent, Paul Theofanous, was telling teams his client was likely headed to Carolina. Whether that was a strategic move to drive up the bidding or a genuine possibility remains unclear, but in the end, Panarin’s no-move clause gave him control of his destination - and he chose Los Angeles.
For Carolina, it’s a swing that didn’t connect, but it’s also a sign of intent. This front office, led by interim GM Eric Tulsky, isn’t standing pat.
They know the window is open, and they’re not afraid to make bold moves to improve the roster. With the league’s trade freeze about to lift, don’t be surprised if the Hurricanes are back in the headlines soon.
They may have missed on Panarin, but the message is clear: Carolina is going for it.