What Would a Potential Artemi Panarin Trade Mean for the Rangers - and Would the Return Ever Truly Match the Value?
When a player like Artemi Panarin hits the trade block - or even the rumor mill - it sends a ripple through the NHL. We're not talking about a depth winger or a pending UFA with one good playoff run under his belt. This is Artemi Panarin: elite playmaker, consistent point producer, and one of the most dynamic offensive forces the Rangers have had in the last decade.
So here’s the million-dollar question: if the Rangers do move Panarin, can they actually get fair value in return?
Let’s break it down.
The Value of Panarin - On and Off the Scoresheet
Panarin isn’t just a stat sheet monster. Sure, the production speaks for itself - but it’s the way he drives play, the way he opens up the ice for teammates, and how he’s been a central figure in the Rangers' offensive identity over the past seven seasons that makes his value tough to quantify.
Even if the Rangers land a solid package - a first-round pick, a top prospect, maybe even a roster player - it’s hard to imagine any return feeling like a win in the short term. You’re not just trading a player; you’re trading a cornerstone. And that’s always going to sting.
Who Holds the Leverage?
Now, this is where it gets interesting. Leverage in NHL trades is rarely black and white. It’s about timing, cap space, and how desperate a contender is to push their chips in.
If you’re a team like Dallas or Colorado, and you believe Panarin is the piece that puts you over the top - a $5.8 million cap hit for the rest of the season for a player of his caliber? That’s a bargain. That’s the kind of move that can swing a playoff series, maybe even a Cup Final.
In that scenario, the Rangers do have some leverage. They're not dangling a rental with fading production - they’re offering a game-changer. And if multiple contenders are in the mix, the bidding could get interesting.
Lessons From Past Deals
Think back to last year’s Brock Nelson situation. He had control over where he wanted to go, and despite turning down a move to Winnipeg, he ended up in Colorado - a destination he was comfortable with.
The Islanders, led by Lou Lamoriello, held firm: they wanted a first-round pick and a prospect they liked. They got it.
No wild bidding war, no panic. Just a clean deal that checked their boxes.
That’s the blueprint the Rangers will be looking at. Set the price, don’t blink, and let the contenders come to you.
Could It Still Feel Underwhelming?
Probably - and that’s not a knock on whoever comes back in the deal. It’s just the reality of trading a player like Panarin. Unless you’re getting a young, NHL-ready star with upside and future assets, it’s hard to match what Panarin brings night in and night out.
So yes, the return might feel underwhelming. But that doesn’t mean it’s a bad trade. It just means the Rangers are in a tough spot - balancing long-term flexibility with the short-term pain of moving on from a franchise player.
Final Thought
If Panarin is moved, it won’t be because the Rangers are giving up on this season. It’ll be a calculated decision - one that could reshape the roster and open the door for a new era.
But make no mistake: whoever lands him is getting a difference-maker. And that alone could drive up the price, even if it never quite feels like enough.