Artemi Panarin Trade Watch: Rangers Star Sits Amid Contract Demands and Looming Deadline
Artemi Panarin might be skating toward the end of his time in New York - and not because of a dip in performance. The Rangers’ leading scorer was a surprise omission from the lineup Wednesday night against the Islanders, and while the team chalked it up to "roster management," the timing couldn’t be more telling. With the Olympic trade freeze set to kick in on February 4, all signs point to a potential blockbuster move - or at least a serious attempt at one.
Panarin, 34, has been the centerpiece of trade chatter for weeks, and his absence only intensified the noise. But moving a player of his caliber - and contract complexity - is no small task.
He holds a no-trade clause and, according to multiple reports, he’s not budging unless an extension comes with the deal. And not just any extension.
According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, Panarin and his agent, Paul Theofanous, are swinging for the fences. On the latest 32 Thoughts podcast, Friedman said the duo is targeting a $50 million extension - a number that’s raised eyebrows across front offices.
“I think everybody understands that if you’re going to get Panarin, [Theofanous] is going to try to hit a contract home run,” Friedman said. “The number I was hearing - and a few teams backed me on this - was $50 million.”
That figure isn’t set in stone, but it’s clearly the ballpark Panarin’s camp is aiming for. Friedman noted they’re open to different contract structures, but the $50 million mark is the goal. Whether any team bites on that before the trade freeze is another story.
Panarin is in the final year of a seven-year deal he signed back in 2019, a contract that’s paid him handsomely and delivered strong returns for the Rangers. Since arriving in New York, he’s led the team in scoring every season - and he’s doing it again this year with 57 points in 52 games.
That kind of production, especially at his age, is rare. He’s still very much an elite offensive driver, which makes him both a tantalizing trade target and a challenging one.
The Rangers are reportedly working the phones, but not every contender is in the mix. Friedman mentioned that teams like the Colorado Avalanche and Dallas Stars are unlikely destinations unless they shift their approach. Both teams are contenders, but their current philosophies don’t align with the kind of financial and prospect capital Panarin’s situation demands.
On the other hand, the Los Angeles Kings and Seattle Kraken have emerged as potential suitors. The Kings are in need of a scoring boost, but Friedman noted they’re still debating internally whether Panarin is worth parting with key prospects. That’s a big question for any team - not just because of Panarin’s talent, but because of the long-term commitment his camp is seeking.
As for the Kraken, Friedman said Panarin fits the mold of what they’d target - if they decide to move a player like Shane Wright. That’s a big “if.”
And even if Seattle makes the call, there’s no guarantee Panarin would waive his no-trade clause to head there. The veteran winger has made it clear he wants to control his next move, and destination matters just as much as dollars.
So where does that leave things? Panarin is still a Ranger - for now.
But with the trade freeze looming and his contract demands out in the open, the clock is ticking. If a team is willing to meet both the Rangers’ asking price and Panarin’s extension demands, we could be looking at one of the biggest midseason trades in recent memory.
If not, Panarin might ride out the season in New York - and then the summer becomes a whole different story.
Either way, the next few days are going to be fascinating.