Rangers Holding Out Artemi Panarin as Trade Talks Heat Up
The New York Rangers are making a major move - or at least setting the stage for one. Artemi Panarin, the team’s star winger and one of the NHL’s most dynamic offensive talents, was held out of the lineup last night for what the team is calling “roster management” purposes.
But let’s be honest - this isn’t just a night off. Panarin isn’t expected to suit up again for the Rangers before the Olympic roster freeze, and that’s a clear signal: a trade is brewing.
Now, to be clear, there’s no deal in place yet. But the momentum is building, and it’s heading in one direction - out of New York.
The Rangers are exploring their options, and Panarin’s absence from the ice is less about rest and more about risk management. They’re not going to jeopardize his trade value with an injury this close to the deadline.
One key factor in all this? Panarin holds a no-movement clause.
He controls where he goes. But multiple sources have indicated that he’d be willing to waive it - if the destination comes with a contract extension.
That’s a major piece of the puzzle. Panarin isn’t looking to be a short-term rental; he wants stability, and the Rangers want full value in return.
An extension with the acquiring team would boost the Rangers’ return and give Panarin the long-term fit he’s looking for.
So who’s in the mix?
Initially, the assumption was that most of the interest would come from teams viewing Panarin as a rental - contenders looking to make a deep playoff run without committing beyond this season. The Dallas Stars were floated as a favorite in that category just last week. But the market may be shifting.
The San Jose Sharks and Los Angeles Kings are emerging as legitimate landing spots. Both teams have the kind of young, high-upside centers the Rangers would want back in a deal - and both could be in position to offer Panarin a long-term home. That’s a combination New York would jump at.
As of last night, though, nothing was imminent. The talks are active, but no deal is on the table - yet.
That said, keep a close eye on San Jose. The Sharks have spoken with the Rangers about Panarin, and according to multiple reports, he’s open to signing an extension there.
That’s significant. It also lines up with what Chris Johnston reported: Panarin would waive his no-movement clause if an extension is in place.
That’s the kind of green light that can turn exploratory talks into serious negotiations.
The Sharks are sitting in a wild card spot and have been hot lately, winning 14 of their last 22 games. They’ve already shown they’re not afraid to make bold moves, pulling off a surprise trade for Kiefer Sherwood just last week.
Adding Panarin would be a massive swing - and a sign that San Jose sees this season as more than just a step forward. They’re trying to make real noise.
Meanwhile, there’s been some chatter about other potential destinations. Could the Rangers go bold and send Panarin across the Hudson?
They’ve already made a deal with the Islanders this season, so a trade with the rival New Jersey Devils isn’t out of the realm of possibility. If Panarin was willing to be a rental, a move to New Jersey would be logistically easy - no relocation necessary, even temporarily.
Still, the sense is that Panarin and the Rangers are both eyeing a long-term solution. That’s why teams like the Sharks and Kings make sense - they can offer the kind of return New York needs and the kind of future Panarin wants.
Bottom line: the Rangers are holding their cards close, but the play is obvious. Artemi Panarin’s days in New York appear numbered. The only questions now are where he’s headed - and how big the return will be.