Rangers Set High Asking Price for Artemi Panarin Amid Trade Buzz
As the NHL trade market starts to heat up, Artemi Panarin’s name has officially entered the spotlight - and the New York Rangers aren’t exactly being subtle about what they want in return. According to reports, the Blueshirts are asking for a hefty package of at least three significant pieces if a team wants to pry the star winger out of Madison Square Garden.
This isn’t your average deadline rental situation. Panarin, still one of the league’s premier offensive talents, holds a full no-move clause and has considerable control over where - and if - he goes. That puts the Rangers in a unique position: they’re balancing the trade value of an elite player with the reality that any deal will need Panarin’s blessing.
The Baseline: Think Brock Nelson, But Bigger
To get a sense of what the Rangers are looking for, think back to last season’s trade that sent Brock Nelson from the Islanders to the Avalanche. That deal included a first-round pick, a conditional third, and a promising young player in Cal Richtue.
While Panarin is a different caliber of player, that trade has become something of a reference point. The Rangers are reportedly using it as a starting framework - and then dialing it up from there.
This is Artemi Panarin we’re talking about. He’s not just a top-line winger; he’s a game-changer with a proven playoff pedigree. If the Rangers are going to move him, they want a return that reflects both his current impact and the possibility of a long-term commitment from any acquiring team.
The Extension Factor
That long-term commitment is a crucial piece of the puzzle. Panarin has expressed confidence he can play well into his late 30s - potentially through age 38 or 39 - and that opens the door for a sizable extension. The numbers floating around are eye-popping: potentially four years at $12.5 million per season, or five years at $10 million.
That’s a major financial commitment, and not every team is in a position to make it. But for the right contender, especially one looking to make a splash and add a proven offensive catalyst, it could be worth the price.
Who’s in the Mix?
Several teams are reportedly circling the situation. The Anaheim Ducks have come up, with some pointing to Panarin’s past connection with coach Joel Quenneville.
The Los Angeles Kings are another team to watch - though they’re currently sitting just outside the playoff picture, the question in L.A. isn’t just about this season. It’s about the long-term direction of the franchise, especially with veterans like Anze Kopitar nearing the end of their careers.
Then there’s Washington and Colorado, both of whom could be intriguing fits if they’re willing to go all-in and offer Panarin the kind of extension he’s reportedly seeking. These are teams with playoff aspirations and rosters that could benefit from adding a high-end winger with Panarin’s skill set.
What Comes Next?
At this point, it’s clear that the Rangers are setting the bar high - and rightfully so. Panarin is still producing at an elite level, and his impact on the ice goes far beyond the scoresheet. Whether it’s threading passes through traffic, controlling the tempo on the power play, or simply drawing attention that opens up space for teammates, he remains one of the most dynamic forwards in the league.
The big question now is which team is willing to meet New York’s price - and whether Panarin is open to making a move. With his no-move clause, he holds the cards, and any trade will require his approval. That adds a layer of complexity to the process, but also ensures that if a deal does happen, it’ll be with a team he’s genuinely interested in joining - and potentially staying with.
For now, the league waits. The Rangers have made their stance clear: if you want Panarin, come with serious assets - and be ready to talk long-term.