The Artemi Panarin sweepstakes just got a lot more interesting - and the San Jose Sharks are right in the thick of it.
The New York Rangers made headlines by holding Panarin out of the lineup for what they called “roster management” reasons. In the NHL, that’s often code for: “We’re working on a trade.” And now, one of the league’s most surprising teams - the Sharks - has reportedly stepped into the conversation.
According to a report, San Jose has “inquired” about acquiring Panarin, and more importantly, the 34-year-old winger is said to be open to signing an extension with the Sharks. That’s a major development, considering Panarin has a full no-move clause and is only interested in going somewhere he can stay beyond the 2025-26 season. He’s not looking to be a rental - he wants a home.
The idea of Panarin in teal might’ve seemed far-fetched just a few months ago. After all, the Sharks entered the season as a rebuilding team, coming off a year where they finished dead last in the league. Most expected another year of growing pains and prospect development, not playoff contention.
But Macklin Celebrini has flipped the script.
The 2023 No. 1 overall pick has been nothing short of electric. With 78 points in 51 games, Celebrini has looked every bit the franchise cornerstone San Jose hoped he’d be - and then some.
He’s dragged this team into the playoff picture almost single-handedly, leading them to a 27-21-3 record and the final wild card spot in the Western Conference. That’s not just progress - that’s a leap.
So now, the Sharks find themselves in a fascinating spot. They’re ahead of schedule, they have a young star playing like a Hart Trophy candidate, and they’ve got one of the deepest prospect pools in the league. Add in a front office that’s not afraid to make bold moves - GM Mike Grier has a history with Rangers GM Chris Drury from their time together in New York - and suddenly, a deal for Panarin doesn’t seem so far-fetched.
From a hockey standpoint, Panarin would be a massive get. He’s still producing at an elite level - 57 points in 52 games - and remains one of the league’s most dangerous wingers. His ability to drive offense, create space, and elevate the players around him would be a huge asset to a Sharks team that’s already buzzing with young talent.
Think about what he could do for guys like Will Smith, William Eklund, and Michael Misa. Those are the kind of young forwards who could really benefit from playing alongside someone with Panarin’s vision and creativity. It’s not just about scoring more goals this season - it’s about accelerating the development of your next generation of stars.
Now, it’s not all sunshine for San Jose. One potential hurdle?
Geography. Reports suggest Panarin prefers to stay in the Eastern Conference, with proximity to Russia possibly playing a role in that preference.
But crucially, he’s not ruling out Western Conference teams altogether - and the fact that he’s open to an extension with San Jose speaks volumes.
The Sharks also have something that not every team can offer: flexibility. With a loaded farm system and a variety of assets at their disposal, they’re in a strong position to put together a package that could entice the Rangers.
Other teams might only be able to dangle one or two top prospects. San Jose can offer options - and options matter when you’re trying to land a player of Panarin’s caliber.
There’s still a lot to play out here. Other teams will undoubtedly be in the mix, and Panarin holds the keys with that no-move clause. But if you’re looking for a dark horse - or maybe not-so-dark anymore - to land one of the NHL’s premier offensive talents, keep your eyes on the Sharks.
They’ve already surprised the league once this season. Don’t be shocked if they do it again.