What Drives Artemi Panarin’s Next Move? Rangers Star Holds the Cards in Complex Trade Scenario
When it comes to Artemi Panarin, the New York Rangers may be holding the phone, but he’s the one holding the cards. As trade talks swirl around the team’s leading scorer, the real question isn’t just where he might go - it’s what matters most to him in deciding where he’ll waive his no-move clause.
That’s the crux of Elliotte Friedman’s recent comments on his 32 Thoughts podcast. “The Rangers probably have to figure out where he wants to go, and he has to figure out where he wants to go,” Friedman said.
“Like, what’s most important to him? Who can give him the biggest contract?
Or a fit or a location?”
That last question - what’s most important to him? - is the one that’s echoing loudest right now.
Because here’s the reality: Panarin isn’t just a trade chip. He’s an elite player with full control of his future, thanks to that no-move clause. Any deal the Rangers make will hinge on his approval, and that approval likely depends on a host of factors - money, team fit, city, relationships, and, of course, the chance to chase a Stanley Cup.
This is Panarin’s version of free agency, five months ahead of schedule. According to reports, he’ll only waive his clause if a contract extension is already in place with his new team. And we know he already turned down a team-friendly extension from the Rangers earlier this season, signaling that he and his agent are aiming high - reportedly in the $50 million range on his next deal, despite the fact he’ll be 35 next season.
So yes, money matters. It always does.
But is it the deciding factor? Or could a legitimate shot at the Cup, or even comfort in a particular city or system, outweigh the final dollar figure?
That’s the million-dollar (or, perhaps, $50 million) question. And until Panarin makes his priorities clear - or the Rangers get clarity behind the scenes - the trade market is in a bit of a holding pattern.
The clock is ticking, though. The NHL’s roster freeze for the Olympic break kicks in Wednesday, and the trade deadline looms just over a month away on March 6. If something’s going to happen, it could come together quickly.
Rangers’ Blue Line Battle: Iorio Joins the Mix
Meanwhile, the Rangers' blue line just got a little more crowded - and a lot more interesting. Over the weekend, the team claimed right-shot defenseman Vincent Iorio off waivers from the San Jose Sharks, adding another layer to the competition for ice time.
That’s especially relevant for Scott Morrow, who now finds himself battling for a regular role against a familiar face. Morrow and Iorio were prep school teammates, and now they’re competing for the same minutes in a Rangers defensive group that’s still trying to find its identity.
This move signals that the Rangers are still evaluating what they have on the back end - and maybe even preparing for bigger changes ahead.
Rangers’ Comeback Can’t Mask Deeper Issues
Yes, the Rangers nearly pulled off a wild third-period comeback against the Penguins on Saturday, but let’s not lose the plot here. That 5-1 hole they dug themselves into?
That’s the real story. A late rally is nice, but it doesn’t erase the bigger concerns that have plagued this team all season - inconsistent play, defensive lapses, and an inability to string together complete efforts.
There’s a reason fans are frustrated. This team has talent, no doubt. But the results haven’t matched the expectations, and the clock is ticking on this core.
Stadium Series Delivers a Classic - and a Cigar
Elsewhere in the league, the 45th outdoor game in NHL history may have just delivered its most chaotic - and memorable - edition yet. The Tampa Bay Lightning stormed back from a 5-1 deficit to stun the Boston Bruins 6-5 in a shootout at Raymond James Stadium. And if the comeback wasn’t wild enough, the game also featured a goalie fight, a waved-off overtime goal by David Pastrnak (thanks to his own penalty), and a shootout that ended with Pastrnak ringing one off the post.
The cherry on top? Lightning head coach Jon Cooper - cool as ever - lighting up a cigar as he walked off the ice. The man knows how to coach, and he clearly knows how to make an exit.
Quick Hits Around the League
- Anthony Cirelli Injury Watch: The Lightning forward exited that Stadium Series classic with an apparent shoulder injury after a big hit in the second period. No official word yet, but it’s something to monitor.
- Barry Trotz Steps Down: A big front-office shakeup in Nashville, as Barry Trotz is stepping down as general manager of the Predators. The move adds another layer of intrigue to a team in transition.
- Oilers’ Goalie Carousel Spins Again: Edmonton placed Calvin Pickard on waivers, continuing their season-long shuffle in the crease.
- Travis Konecny’s Fire Fuels Flyers: Konecny’s been on a tear lately - and he’s made it clear he’s tired of missing the playoffs. His edge is showing, and it’s working.
- Blues Lose Robert Thomas (Temporarily): The St. Louis forward will be out until after the Olympic break following a minor procedure on his leg.
With the Olympic break on the horizon and the trade deadline fast approaching, the NHL landscape is shifting quickly. For the Rangers and Artemi Panarin, the next move could define not just the rest of the season - but the future of the franchise.