The New York Rangers made it official this week: Artemi Panarin won’t be suiting up again until after the Olympic break. It’s a move that’s been widely expected, but now it’s confirmed. The team is holding him out for what they’re calling “roster management” purposes, but the subtext is clear-Panarin’s future in New York is very much in play, and a trade could be on the horizon.
Panarin’s Trade Stance: One Move, One Contract
Here’s where things get interesting. According to NHL insider Chris Johnston, Panarin isn’t just looking for a change of scenery-he’s looking for security.
The veteran winger reportedly won’t waive his no-move clause unless the acquiring team is willing to sign him to a contract extension. That means any deal isn’t just a rental; it’s a long-term commitment.
Panarin’s stance makes sense. At this stage in his career, he’s not looking to bounce from team to team.
He wants to land somewhere he can settle in-and get paid accordingly. If no team steps up with a long-term offer, he could just ride out the season in New York and hit free agency on July 1.
Cap Crunch: Who Can Afford Panarin?
Two teams that have been mentioned as possible landing spots-Colorado and Dallas-would love to add a player of Panarin’s caliber. But the math doesn’t work easily.
Dallas is projected to have just over $16 million in cap space this summer, but that’s with 17 roster spots already accounted for. Panarin, who’s expected to command a premium on what could be his final big contract, would eat up a massive chunk of that space. It’s hard to see how GM Jim Nill could make that work without some serious roster gymnastics.
Colorado’s in an even tighter spot. The Avalanche are projected to have just $7.2 million in cap space with 18 skaters already penciled in. Unless they move out significant salary, a Panarin deal feels like a long shot.
Two Real Contenders: Carolina and L.A.
If Panarin’s extension is a prerequisite for any trade, two teams stand out as legitimate contenders: the Carolina Hurricanes and the Los Angeles Kings.
Let’s start with Carolina. They’ve got nearly $14 million in projected cap space this summer and a 20-man roster already in place.
That gives them the flexibility to not only absorb Panarin at the deadline-especially if the Rangers retain 50% of his current salary-but also to lock him up long-term. They’ve got the right mix of young talent, prospects, and draft capital to make a deal happen.
Plus, these two teams already pulled off a sign-and-trade last summer involving K’Andre Miller, so there’s a working relationship in place.
Then there’s Los Angeles. The Kings are staring down a post-Kopitar future, and Panarin could be the perfect piece to help fill that leadership and production void.
They’re projected to have nearly $26 million in cap space this offseason with 18 roster spots filled, giving them plenty of room to work with. Adding Panarin to a forward group that already includes Kevin Fiala and rising star Quinton Byfield would give L.A. a dynamic top-six.
They’ve got some intriguing assets to offer, but in a bidding war with Carolina, they might come up just short. Still, if Panarin has a preference for the West Coast, don’t count them out.
A Dark Horse? Washington’s Cap Space Could Change the Game
If there’s a team lurking in the background, it might be the Washington Capitals. They’re projected to have a whopping $36.5 million in cap space this summer, though that number comes with some caveats.
Their current roster includes just 16 players, and they’ve got decisions to make-especially on the blue line, where John Carlson’s future is uncertain. Connor McMichael is due for an extension, and several other spots will need to be filled.
But here’s the wildcard: If Alex Ovechkin retires, that frees up a massive $9.5 million chunk of cap space. That could open the door for a Panarin signing, signaling a new era in D.C. with a fellow Russian superstar taking the torch. It’s a long shot, and the fit would be tight, especially in a crowded top-nine, but it’s not out of the question.
The Clock Is Ticking
The Rangers have just three games left before the Olympic break-against the Islanders, Penguins, and Hurricanes. After that, the focus will turn squarely to the trade deadline and Panarin’s future.
Whether he stays in New York or finds a new home, one thing’s clear: Panarin holds the cards. He’s not just a rental-he’s a franchise-altering piece, and any team that wants him will need to pay up, both in assets and in dollars. The next few weeks could reshape the landscape of the NHL playoff race-and beyond.