Artemi Panarin Could Be the Biggest Name on the Move - If He’s Willing
The NHL trade chatter is heating up, and one name that’s starting to echo louder than most is Artemi Panarin. The 33-year-old winger is still producing at an elite level - over a point per game this season - and with his contract set to expire, the New York Rangers could be looking at a major decision.
Here’s the catch: Panarin holds a full no-movement clause. That means he controls his fate.
But if he decides to waive it for the right contender, the payoff could be huge - not just for the team acquiring him, but for Panarin himself. A strong playoff run in a top-six role could significantly boost his value heading into free agency.
Rangers Open for Business
The Rangers have made it clear: they’re entering a retooling phase. That doesn’t mean a full teardown, but it does mean they’re listening. And with Panarin’s future in New York uncertain, the front office is already working with his camp to explore potential landing spots.
Make no mistake - there will be interest. A player of Panarin’s caliber doesn’t hit the market often, even as a rental.
But the $11.642 million cap hit is a hurdle. If the Rangers are willing to retain half - bringing it down to a more manageable $5.82 million - the list of suitors gets a lot longer.
Several teams have already been linked to Panarin, including the Carolina Hurricanes, Washington Capitals, Florida Panthers, Minnesota Wild, Detroit Red Wings, and Dallas Stars. All of them are in the playoff mix and could use a dynamic winger who can drive offense and elevate a power play.
What the Rangers Want in Return
This won’t be a bargain-bin deal. The Rangers are reportedly looking for a first-round pick, a quality prospect, and another asset in return. That’s a steep price, but for a player still producing at Panarin’s level - and with the potential to be a difference-maker in a deep playoff run - it’s the kind of package teams might be willing to pay.
And Panarin wouldn’t be the only Ranger drawing interest.
Trocheck Drawing Attention, Too
Vincent Trocheck is another name to watch. The veteran center has three years left on his deal at $5.625 million per season, and his two-way game and playoff experience make him an appealing option for contenders. The Minnesota Wild are expected to be in the mix, and you can bet the Carolina Hurricanes, Los Angeles Kings, Chicago Blackhawks, and Winnipeg Jets will be checking in as well.
Trocheck doesn’t carry a no-movement clause, so he’s a bit more flexible as a trade chip. If the Rangers are serious about reshaping their roster, moving Trocheck could bring back a solid return - especially with center depth being a premium come playoff time.
Other Names in the Mix
The Rangers could also field calls on defensemen Carson Soucy (a pending UFA) and Braden Schneider (a pending RFA). Both are younger, cost-controlled options that could fit into a variety of team structures, especially for clubs looking to shore up their blue line for a postseason push.
Then there’s Mika Zibanejad. He’s got four years left on his deal and, like Panarin, holds a full no-movement clause. He wasn’t interested in waiving it during the draft or this past offseason, but with the Rangers signaling a shift in direction, it’s worth watching whether that stance changes.
Timing Is Everything
With the Olympic trade freeze just over two weeks away, front offices are starting to get aggressive. We’ve already seen movement - including this week’s deal involving Rasmus Andersson and Kiefer Sherwood - and the pace is only going to pick up from here.
For the Rangers, this stretch could define the next few seasons. If Panarin waives, he becomes one of the most impactful rentals on the market.
If Trocheck moves, it signals a deeper retool than some might have expected. And if someone like Zibanejad even considers a change, we’re talking about a full-scale shift in the core of this team.
The next few weeks in New York could get very interesting. Stay tuned.