Artemi Panarin might be one of the most electrifying wingers in the NHL, but his future in New York isn’t set in stone - and around the league, teams are starting to take notice. According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, there’s growing chatter about potential landing spots for the Rangers star, with both the Florida Panthers and Los Angeles Kings emerging as intriguing - if complicated - possibilities.
Let’s start with Florida. On paper, it’s easy to see why Panarin might be drawn to the Sunshine State.
The Panthers are a legitimate contender, they’ve built a strong, aggressive roster, and there’s no denying the appeal of playing in a no-tax state with a competitive team. But there’s a catch - and it’s a big one: the salary cap.
Friedman noted that while Panarin would likely welcome a move to Florida, the cap gymnastics required to make it work would be extensive. “I think Artemi Panarin would love to play in Florida,” he said.
“But I just don't know that that's going to be possible... I would never count out the Panthers doing what they have to do to get the player they want.
But that's going to be a hard one.”
Translation: Florida would have to move major pieces or get creative to fit Panarin’s $11.64 million cap hit under the ceiling. And with a core that’s already locked in, pulling off that kind of maneuvering mid-season - or even in the offseason - would be a tall order.
Then there’s Los Angeles. The Kings are in the middle of a transitional phase, trying to bridge the gap between the Anze Kopitar-Drew Doughty era and the next generation of talent. They’ve got young pieces like Quinton Byfield, Adrian Kempe, and Kevin Fiala, and adding a player like Panarin could accelerate that shift in a big way.
“One of the things that's kind of being discussed inside LA is, are we really throwing all our chips in this year?” Friedman said. “Now, if suddenly Artemi Panarin is presented to you with an extension, are you saying, ‘Hey, this is the kind of offensive talent we could use?’”
That’s a fair question. Panarin isn’t just a rental - not if you’re committing to him long-term.
He’s a franchise-level player, and if the Kings are serious about building a contender around their young core, bringing in a veteran with his offensive instincts and leadership could be a game-changer. Friedman even floated the idea of Panarin becoming a foundational piece in the post-Kopitar, post-Doughty era - a veteran presence who could help guide the next wave in LA.
“Probably plays with Quinton Byfield,” Friedman added, painting a picture of a top-six forward group that could be both dynamic and dangerous.
Of course, any potential move would hinge on contract terms - and that’s where things get even more interesting. Panarin is currently signed through the 2025-26 season on a seven-year, $81.5 million deal he inked back in July 2019. That contract includes a full no-move clause and carries an average annual value of $11.64 million, so any trade would need his full approval.
But what happens after that deal expires? According to Friedman, there’s already some speculation around what a new contract could look like - especially if a team like the Kings were to acquire him with the intent to extend.
“One of the interesting narratives that's come out the last few days is that he thinks he can play for five more years,” Friedman said. “We're talking about - and this is a guess - four times $12.5 million, five times $10 million.”
That kind of contract would reflect Panarin’s continued elite production and his value as a top-tier offensive weapon. But it also raises the stakes for any team thinking about bringing him in.
You’re not just trading for the player he is now - you’re investing in who he’ll be into his mid-30s. And in a league where cap space is gold, that’s a decision that requires serious foresight.
For now, Panarin remains a Ranger, and with his full no-move clause, he controls the next chapter of his career. But if the right opportunity arises - and if the numbers can be made to work - don’t be surprised if the conversation around his future gets a lot louder.
Whether it’s Florida, LA, or somewhere else entirely, one thing’s clear: Artemi Panarin still has plenty of high-level hockey left in him. And if a team is willing to bet big, he could be the kind of player who changes the trajectory of a franchise.