As the Olympic roster freeze looms at 3 p.m. CT today, all eyes are on the New York Rangers and the future of Artemi Panarin. The star winger, set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, is firmly on the trade block-and the clock is ticking.
Right now, the trade landscape around Panarin is shifting by the hour. Several teams are still in the mix, but there’s a growing sense that a deal might not come together before the freeze.
That doesn’t mean interest has cooled-far from it. Teams are just split into two camps: those eyeing Panarin as a long-term piece, and those looking for a short-term boost.
The Carolina Hurricanes, Florida Panthers, Los Angeles Kings, and San Jose Sharks are reportedly among the clubs willing to make a long-term investment in Panarin, contingent on an extension. These are teams that see Panarin not just as a rental, but as a cornerstone-a player who can elevate a roster for years to come. On the flip side, the Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Stars, and Edmonton Oilers are viewing Panarin more pragmatically, as a high-impact rental who could push them over the top this postseason.
Meanwhile, several teams have backed out of the chase altogether. The Anaheim Ducks, Detroit Red Wings, Utah Mammoth, and Washington Capitals are believed to be out of the running-at least for now.
What’s driving all this interest? Aside from Panarin’s elite playmaking and scoring ability, there's a significant offer already on the table.
According to reports, one team has floated a $40 million deal-likely structured as either a three-year pact with an average annual value north of $13 million, or a four-year deal closer to $10 million per season. That kind of money underscores just how valuable Panarin is perceived to be, even with the uncertainty surrounding his next destination.
But Panarin isn’t the only name generating buzz ahead of the freeze.
The San Jose Sharks are reportedly shopping defenseman Timothy Liljegren, along with other pending UFAs on their blue line. While San Jose may look to extend a few of those players in the coming weeks, Liljegren appears to be the odd man out.
The 2017 first-round pick has logged over 20 minutes a night this season and chipped in 10 assists over 41 games, but he’s not part of the organization’s long-term blueprint. That makes him a prime candidate to be moved, especially for teams looking to add a right-shot defenseman with puck-moving upside.
One more name to keep an eye on: Oliver Ekman-Larsson. If the Toronto Maple Leafs decide to pivot and become sellers ahead of the March 6 trade deadline, there will be no shortage of interest in the veteran blueliner. Ekman-Larsson is under contract through the 2027-28 season with a manageable $3.5 million cap hit, though his 16-team no-trade clause could complicate things.
Still, his production this season speaks for itself. With eight goals and 34 points through 56 games-most of it coming at even strength-Ekman-Larsson is having one of his most productive offensive campaigns in years. For contenders in need of a mobile, experienced defenseman who can contribute on both ends, he checks a lot of boxes.
As the deadline clock winds down and the Olympic roster freeze hits, the market is heating up. Whether it’s a blockbuster move involving Panarin or a savvy depth addition like Liljegren or Ekman-Larsson, front offices are working overtime to position themselves for the stretch run. Stay tuned-this could get interesting fast.