As the NHL trade deadline creeps closer, Artemi Panarin’s name is no longer just floating around the rumor mill - it’s becoming a headline. The New York Rangers are deep in trade conversations, and Panarin, one of the league’s most electrifying forwards, could be on the move.
This isn’t just about a midseason rental. This is about a franchise-altering player potentially hitting the market, and the Rangers are looking to capitalize.
Panarin holds the cards here. With a full no-movement clause and a significant contract, he’s in control of where he lands.
But the Rangers have their own leverage - they’re not going to let a player of Panarin’s caliber walk for nothing when free agency opens in July. The goal is clear: find a trade partner that fits Panarin’s preferences while maximizing the return.
And they’re not waiting around. The Rangers have already made a move, sending Carson Soucy across town to the Islanders.
That’s just the beginning. General Manager Chris Drury is actively working the phones, and Panarin is reportedly involved in the process, helping identify destinations he’d be open to - ideally somewhere he could see himself staying long-term.
Let’s not forget who we’re talking about here. Panarin has 19 goals and 57 points through 52 games this season - elite production by any standard.
Since arriving in New York, he’s racked up 205 goals and 607 points in 482 games. That kind of output doesn’t just make him a top rental target - it makes him a potential game-changer for any team with Stanley Cup aspirations.
But again, Panarin’s no-move clause means he’s not going anywhere unless he signs off. There’s a sense that he’d prefer a trade that includes an extension, but he’s reportedly open to a short-term stint with a contender if the fit is right.
Several teams are circling. The Dallas Stars, Washington Capitals, Tampa Bay Lightning, Vegas Golden Knights, New York Islanders, and Los Angeles Kings have all been linked to the winger. The Florida Panthers were once thought to be his ideal landing spot, but that scenario appears off the table.
Dallas is particularly interesting. The Stars are built to win now, and Panarin could be the kind of offensive weapon that puts them over the top.
But there’s a catch: the financial puzzle. Adding Panarin could mean making a tough decision on Jason Robertson.
That’s not an easy call - it may come down to one or the other.
Vegas and Tampa are always in the mix when big names hit the market. Both teams are proven contenders with a flair for making splashy moves. Panarin would fit right in, stylistically and strategically.
The Islanders are a surprise entry, especially given the optics of a cross-town trade. But they’ve made bold moves before, and if they believe Panarin could be the missing piece, they won’t shy away.
Then there’s Los Angeles - maybe the most intriguing option of all. The Kings are desperate for offense, sitting near the bottom of the league in goals scored.
With Anze Kopitar set to retire and a thin prospect pool, this team is at a crossroads. Bringing in Panarin, especially with a long-term deal, could mark the beginning of a new era in L.A.
But if it’s just a rental? That’s a high-stakes gamble.
At the end of the day, this comes down to two key factors: where Panarin is willing to go, and which team is ready to commit - not just for a playoff run, but potentially for years to come. The clock is ticking, and the stakes are high. One of the NHL’s most dynamic players could soon be wearing a new sweater.