The Washington Capitals are in the market for a winger. And if you're looking at the trade block, few names shine brighter right now than Artemi Panarin.
Panarin, 34, is still producing at a high level-16 goals and 35 assists through 47 games this season. That’s 51 points before the All-Star break, which puts him on pace for yet another strong campaign.
The Rangers, however, appear ready to turn the page. Reports suggest they won’t be offering Panarin a new deal after this season, which makes him a prime candidate to be moved before the trade deadline.
Enter the Capitals.
Washington has made it clear they’re actively pursuing help on the wing. General Manager Chris Patrick didn’t mince words when speaking to reporters recently-this team wants to add scoring depth. And Panarin, with 799 career NHL games under his belt and 921 points to show for it (318 goals, 603 assists), is the kind of top-tier talent that doesn’t hit the trade market often.
From a fit perspective, it makes a lot of sense. The Capitals have the regular season cap space to absorb Panarin’s full $11.643 million cap hit.
The challenge comes in the postseason, when cap constraints tighten and a fully healthy roster could push them over the limit. That’s where New York potentially retaining some salary could make a deal more realistic.
It’s a financial puzzle, but not an unsolvable one-especially for a player of Panarin’s caliber.
The bigger question might be competition. Panarin would be a hot commodity on the trade market.
He’s not just a rental-he’s a game-changer. Plenty of contending teams will be circling, looking to add a proven scorer who can tilt the ice in their favor during a playoff run.
If the Capitals want him, they’ll have to be aggressive.
But if they can pull it off? That’s a major swing. And it could be the kind of move that changes the complexion of the Eastern Conference playoff race.