Artemi Panarin Reportedly Seeking $50 Million Contract: What It Means and Where It Could Lead
The NHL rumor mill is heating up, and Artemi Panarin’s name is back in the spotlight. According to Elliotte Friedman on 32 Thoughts, the Rangers star winger may be eyeing a new deal in the neighborhood of $50 million. Whether that looks like four years at $12.5 million per or five years at $10 million per, that’s the ballpark Panarin is reportedly targeting.
Now, that kind of price tag isn’t surprising for a player of Panarin’s caliber. He’s still one of the most dynamic offensive weapons in the league-electric on the puck, lethal on the power play, and a consistent top-tier point producer. But the number does raise questions, especially when you consider his age and where certain teams are in their competitive windows.
Does Panarin Fit in Philly?
One team that’s loosely been linked to Panarin, at least by proximity, is the Philadelphia Flyers. On the surface, it’s a tough fit.
The Flyers are in the midst of a youth movement, building around young stars like Matvei Michkov. A splashy, high-dollar move for a veteran winger doesn’t quite align with that timeline.
But there’s a wrinkle here: Oleg Znarok, who works closely with Michkov in the Flyers organization, also happens to be Panarin’s father-in-law. That connection alone doesn’t make a deal likely, but it’s enough to keep the rumor alive in hockey circles.
As for the Flyers’ front office, the word is they won’t be giving up assets in a trade for Panarin. If he hits the open market, though?
That’s a different conversation. Free agency opens the door to creative cap maneuvering and short-term veteran adds-and if Panarin is willing to consider a fit with Philly, it might come down to timing and cap flexibility.
10 Players Who Could Use a Change of Scenery
With the trade deadline approaching, a handful of players around the league are stuck in tough spots-whether it’s declining roles, injuries, or just a lack of opportunity. Here are ten names to watch as potential change-of-scenery candidates, either by the deadline or in the offseason.
Warren Foegele - LW, Los Angeles Kings
Foegele has one year left on his deal at $3.5 million and was a healthy scratch last week. He’s a solid depth scorer when in rhythm, but right now he’s on the outside looking in.
Calle Jarnkrok - C/RW, Toronto Maple Leafs
Jarnkrok’s usage has dipped significantly-career lows in ice time and multiple healthy scratches. He’s a pending UFA with a $2.1 million cap hit, but his actual salary is just $775,000, which could make him a low-risk pickup.
Frank Vatrano - LW, Anaheim Ducks
Vatrano’s minutes have dropped by over five minutes per game, and he’s carrying a $4.57 million cap hit with two years left. He still has value as a goal-scorer, but the Ducks may be looking to move on.
Olli Maatta - LHD, Utah Mammoth
Maatta has two years left at $3.5 million, but he’s losing his grip on a regular spot in the lineup. A veteran defender with playoff experience, he could be a depth add for a contender.
Nils Höglander - LW, Vancouver Canucks
Injuries have disrupted Höglander’s season, and with two years remaining at $3 million, the Canucks might explore options if he can’t stay healthy and productive.
Gustav Nyquist - RW, Winnipeg Jets
Nyquist has been a healthy scratch most nights since January. He’s a pending UFA with a $3.25 million cap hit, and his days in Winnipeg may be numbered.
Alexis Lafrenière - LW, New York Rangers
Lafrenière’s situation is one of the more puzzling ones.
After signing a significant extension, the 24-year-old has taken a step back. The Rangers aren’t likely to give up on him yet, but the clock is ticking on his development curve.
Jeff Skinner - C/LW, San Jose Sharks
Skinner is a pending UFA with a $3 million cap hit, but he’s been a healthy scratch-a tough look for a player once viewed as a top-six staple.
Matt Poitras - C, Boston Bruins
Still just 21 years old, Poitras has been passed on the depth chart by Fraser Minten. With no clear top-nine role, a move could benefit both player and team.
Ryan Strome - C, Anaheim Ducks
Strome’s minutes have dropped, and at 32 years old with a $5 million cap hit, he may be more valuable to another team in need of veteran center depth.
As the trade deadline inches closer, expect movement-not just from contenders loading up, but from teams looking to reset, retool, or simply give a player a fresh start. Whether it’s a blockbuster involving a big name like Panarin or a subtle shift that unlocks a young player’s potential, the next few weeks could reshape more than just rosters-they could alter careers.