Hurricanes Eye Artemi Panarin as Trade Deadline Heats Up
With the Olympic trade freeze looming, the market for Artemi Panarin is starting to take shape-and it’s getting serious. The Carolina Hurricanes, Los Angeles Kings, and San Jose Sharks are still very much in the mix for the dynamic winger, and at least one of those teams has reportedly put a $40 million extension offer on the table. The Florida Panthers were also in the hunt, but they’ve since bowed out, narrowing the field.
What makes this situation especially intriguing is Panarin’s stance: he’d prefer to sign an extension with whichever team acquires him, but it’s not a hard requirement. That opens the door for teams willing to take a swing now and figure out the future later-something Carolina appears more than ready to do.
Carolina’s Window Is Now
Don’t sleep on the Hurricanes. This is a team that’s been knocking on the door for years, and they know it. They’ve got the cap flexibility, the assets, and the urgency to make a splash, and according to multiple reports, they’re pushing hard to get something done before the Olympic freeze kicks in.
Pierre LeBrun has pointed to Carolina as a team to watch, and it’s not hard to see why. They’ve been aggressive in recent seasons, kicking the tires on nearly every big name that’s hit the market.
Remember the Mikko Rantanen deal? That didn’t stick long-term, but it showed the Canes aren’t afraid to roll the dice if it means taking a step closer to a Stanley Cup.
Panarin’s Fit in Carolina
Panarin’s skill set would be a seamless fit in Carolina’s system. He’s a game-breaking talent with elite vision and puck control-exactly the kind of offensive catalyst the Hurricanes could use to elevate their top-six. And if he’s open to staying long-term, Carolina could finally land the type of star power that’s eluded them in recent playoff runs.
But make no mistake: this is still Panarin’s call. As Chris Johnston noted, a lot of this hinges on what the winger wants.
If he’s comfortable with the idea of playing in Raleigh and sees a future with the Hurricanes, this could come together quickly. The Canes are ready, willing, and able-they just need the green light from Panarin.
The Bigger Picture
With many teams expected to stay quiet ahead of the Olympic break, Carolina’s aggressiveness could give them an edge. While others hesitate, the Hurricanes are pressing the gas pedal. They’ve been in on almost every major name over the past few years, and this feels like another bold move in a series of them.
And if they land Panarin? That’s not just a win for this season-it could be a franchise-altering moment.
Stay tuned. The clock’s ticking.