Why Artemi Panarin Isn’t Headed to Florida-and Who’s Still in the Mix
At one point, the idea of Artemi Panarin suiting up for the Florida Panthers this season had some legs. But when you dig into the numbers-and the team’s current situation-it was always going to be a tough fit. Florida’s tight salary cap picture, combined with the uncertainty of their playoff hopes, made a trade for Panarin more of a dream than a realistic deadline splash.
According to insider reports, the Panthers did explore the possibility. Panarin was reportedly open to joining one of the two Florida teams, and the front office worked to see if the math could be massaged.
But in the end, Florida decided not to stretch itself any thinner financially. As one source put it, Panarin “is not a fit; they either can’t make it work cap-wise… or just don’t necessarily feel like he’s the piece that they need.”
That’s a telling quote. It suggests Florida wasn’t just balking at the price tag-they may not have believed Panarin was the missing puzzle piece for a team still fighting to solidify its postseason credentials.
Panarin’s Market Shrinks-But the Right Fit Could Still Be Out There
Florida isn’t the only team to tap the brakes on a Panarin pursuit. The Dallas Stars also backed away earlier this week, reportedly due to the winger’s desire for a long-term extension as part of any deal. That’s two serious contenders out of the mix, and it leaves a smaller, more nuanced market for one of the league’s most gifted offensive players.
So who’s left?
The Tampa Bay Lightning are still lurking-and they’re an intriguing option. While they’re reportedly hesitant to commit to a long-term extension, Tampa’s recent form suggests they’re gearing up for another deep run.
If Panarin is willing to shift gears and prioritize winning now over contract certainty, the Lightning could make a compelling case. They’ve got the championship pedigree, a top-tier core, and a front office that knows how to win the margins at the trade deadline.
The Edmonton Oilers fall into a similar category. They’ve been surging and are clearly in win-now mode with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl in their prime. Like Tampa, they’re not keen on a long-term deal, but if Panarin wants a shot at hoisting the Cup this season, Edmonton could be the right stage.
Then there are the teams more open to meeting his extension demands. The Washington Capitals and New York Islanders are both worth watching.
The Islanders, in particular, could be a fascinating landing spot. Panarin has history in New York, and staying in-state to finish his career might be appealing.
If the Isles want to make a major statement before the deadline, this would certainly qualify.
The Colorado Avalanche, Detroit Red Wings, and Carolina Hurricanes are also in the mix. Each of them brings something different to the table-Colorado’s elite talent, Detroit’s rising trajectory, Carolina’s defensive structure-but all three could use a game-breaking forward like Panarin to push them over the top.
A Wild Card in the West
And then there’s San Jose.
Yes, the Sharks are deep in a rebuild and nowhere near Cup contention this season. But if Panarin is thinking long-term-and if he’s intrigued by the chance to mentor and eventually ride shotgun with a rising star like Macklin Celebrini-San Jose could be a dark-horse destination.
Living in California, playing a central role in a young team’s resurgence, and setting the stage for a late-career renaissance? It’s not the most obvious choice, but it’s one that could make sense under the right circumstances.
What Comes Next
With the trade deadline inching closer, Panarin’s situation remains one of the most compelling storylines to watch. He’s still producing at a high level, and his ability to tilt the ice makes him a difference-maker for any contender. But his desire for a long-term home complicates things, especially for cap-strapped teams.
Whether he ultimately prioritizes fit, championship potential, or contract security will shape where he lands-and how much of an impact he can make in what’s shaping up to be a wide-open playoff race.
One thing’s for sure: wherever Panarin ends up, he’s going to shift the balance of power. The only question is-who’s willing to make the move?