Why Artemi Panarin Probably Isn’t the Answer for the Oilers - And That’s Okay
As the NHL trade deadline creeps closer, Artemi Panarin has emerged as the biggest name on the board - and it’s not even close. The New York Rangers’ retool has unexpectedly put their superstar winger in the trade spotlight, and with his elite production and game-breaking skill, he’s the kind of player that instantly changes a team’s ceiling.
Naturally, just about every playoff contender is intrigued. But there’s a catch - and a big one.
Panarin holds a full no-movement clause. That means he’s not going anywhere unless he gives the green light. So while his name may be at the center of trade buzz, the final decision rests entirely with him.
Recently, a list of ten teams believed to be on Panarin’s radar surfaced - and the Edmonton Oilers were noticeably absent. The teams reportedly in the mix include Colorado, Washington, Florida, Dallas, Carolina, Tampa Bay, Minnesota, Detroit, Vegas, and the New York Islanders.
That’s a mix of perennial contenders, warm-weather destinations, and teams with strong playoff outlooks. Edmonton?
Not on the list.
Now, it’s worth noting that Panarin has a history with Oilers GM Stan Bowman, who brought him into the NHL back in 2015 with the Blackhawks. That connection led some to wonder if Edmonton might be a dark horse here.
But based on current reports, it seems like a long shot - and geography might be playing a role. Convincing a veteran star to leave New York for the Alberta cold, especially when other options include beaches and tax-friendly states, is no easy task.
Panarin's Still Got It - But Do the Oilers Need Him?
Panarin, now 34, is still putting up numbers that place him among the league’s elite. Through 48 games, he’s racked up 54 points - 18 goals and 36 assists - and he’s doing it with the kind of poise and vision that’s defined his career. He’s in the final year of the massive seven-year, $81.5 million deal he signed with the Rangers in 2019, and he’ll be an unrestricted free agent this summer.
So yes, the idea of dropping Panarin onto a line with Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl is tantalizing. That’s the kind of firepower that could make even the best defenses sweat. But here’s the thing - offense isn’t where the Oilers are hurting.
Edmonton’s power play is still the gold standard in the NHL. They’re clicking at a staggering 33.1%, and that’s not a typo. It’s a unit that’s been dominant for years, and Panarin, as dangerous as he is on the man advantage, wouldn’t be filling a gap so much as adding to an already overflowing toolbox.
The Oilers’ more pressing needs lie elsewhere. A reliable third-line center.
A stabilizing presence on the blue line. Depth that can hold its own when the stars aren’t on the ice.
That’s where GM Ken Holland and his staff are likely focused as the deadline approaches.
The Cost Just Doesn’t Add Up
Let’s also talk logistics. Panarin carries a cap hit of $11.64 million.
To make that work, Edmonton would have to move major salary and likely part with significant assets - prospects, picks, or both. And for a player who may not even want to come north in the first place?
That’s a tough pill to swallow.
Add it all up, and it’s easy to see why this deal probably won’t - and maybe shouldn’t - happen. The Oilers are already a team with high-end offensive talent. What they need is balance, depth, and smart additions that address their weak spots without compromising their identity or future.
So while the idea of Panarin in Oilers blue is fun to dream about, it’s probably best left there - in the realm of fantasy. Edmonton has a real shot at making noise this spring, but they’ll need to be strategic, not flashy, at the deadline. And that might mean passing on the biggest name available - even if it makes headlines.