The winds of change are blowing through Madison Square Garden-and Artemi Panarin may be the biggest name caught in the draft.
Shortly after Rangers president and GM Chris Drury publicly laid out the organization's plan to reshape the roster, reports surfaced that Drury met directly with Panarin to deliver a message that’s as blunt as it is businesslike: New York does not intend to re-sign the veteran winger after this season. Instead, the front office will work with Panarin to find a trade destination of his choosing.
Panarin’s seven-year, $81.5 million contract is set to expire this summer, and if no extension is reached before July 1, he’ll hit the market as an unrestricted free agent. But it looks like the Rangers are trying to get ahead of that clock, aiming to turn their star asset into a meaningful return rather than lose him for nothing.
And make no mistake-Panarin is an asset. Even at 34, he’s still producing at a high level.
Through 51 games this season, he’s put up 19 goals, 37 assists, and 56 points while logging over 20 minutes a night. That’s not just solid-it’s top-line production, and it’s exactly the kind of output that playoff contenders crave down the stretch.
So what would a potential trade look like?
According to league insider Elliotte Friedman, the Rangers are using the Brock Nelson trade from last season as a benchmark. In that deal, the Islanders sent Nelson to Colorado in exchange for top prospect Cal Ritchie, a first-round pick, and a conditional third-rounder-plus a few other pieces. That’s the ballpark New York is reportedly aiming for with Panarin: a high-end young player, a premium draft pick, and potentially more.
It’s a steep ask, but given Panarin’s pedigree and current form, it’s not out of line. He’s still a game-changer-someone who can tilt the ice in your favor and elevate a power play overnight.
As for where he might land? That’s where things get interesting.
Friedman mentioned the Anaheim Ducks, Los Angeles Kings, and Washington Capitals as teams that could be in the mix. Each presents a different opportunity-and a different challenge.
Anaheim is in a rebuild, but there’s a connection worth noting: Panarin played under Joel Quenneville in Chicago, and that familiarity could be a factor. The Ducks also have a deep prospect pool and cap space, making them a potential fit if they’re looking to accelerate their timeline.
Then there’s Los Angeles. The Kings are in a bit of a gray area-good enough to contend, but still figuring out if they’re truly built for a deep playoff run. Adding Panarin would be a bold push, but it would also come with questions about long-term fit and whether they’d be willing (or able) to extend him.
Washington might be the most intriguing of the three. The Capitals are trying to stay competitive in the Ovechkin era, and bringing in a dynamic forward like Panarin could be a win-now move that aligns with their timeline. But again, any deal would likely hinge on whether Panarin is open to an extension-and whether he’s willing to waive his no-move clause.
That’s the wild card in all of this. Panarin holds the cards when it comes to destination, and there’s no clear indication yet of where he’d like to go-or if he’s even ready to leave New York. But the conversations are happening, and the market is starting to take shape.
For the Rangers, this is a pivotal moment. Moving on from a cornerstone player like Panarin isn’t easy, but it could be a necessary step in reshaping the roster for the next era. And for teams eyeing a playoff run or a shot at long-term contention, this is a rare opportunity to land a proven offensive weapon with elite vision, hands, and hockey IQ.
The clock’s ticking. The trade deadline is coming. And Panarin’s name is officially on the board.