As the NHL trade deadline inches closer, the Tampa Bay Lightning are making some unexpected noise in the Artemi Panarin sweepstakes - and they might be more than just background buzz. While they weren’t one of the early names tossed around in connection to the Rangers’ star winger, Tampa Bay is now firmly in the mix, and there’s a potential trade framework starting to take shape.
A recent proposal floating around hockey circles paints a clearer picture of what a Lightning-Rangers deal could look like. According to Elite Prospects’ Cam Robinson, the suggested package would send Panarin to Tampa Bay in exchange for Oliver Bjorkstrand, prospect Gage Goncalves, a 2028 first-round pick, and a couple of second-rounders.
Now, let’s break that down.
From the Rangers’ standpoint, this would be about restocking and retooling. Bjorkstrand is a proven NHL winger with a scoring touch and a responsible two-way game.
He’s not Panarin - few are - but he brings value as a middle-six forward who can contribute right away. Goncalves, meanwhile, is a promising young center who’s shown flashes in the AHL and could project as a solid NHL contributor down the line.
Add in the high draft capital, and New York would be getting both immediate help and long-term assets.
But this isn’t just about what the Rangers want - Panarin holds a no-move clause, and he’s reportedly looking for a contract extension with any team that acquires him. That’s a big wrinkle. You’re not just trading for a few months of elite production; you’re also committing to his future - and his price tag.
That’s where things get tricky for Tampa Bay.
The Lightning aren’t exactly swimming in cap space. They’ve been masters of the salary cap gymnastics in years past - think LTIR magic and clever roster maneuvering - but pulling off a deal like this would still require some serious cap creativity. Whether it’s moving money out, retaining salary, or getting a third team involved, Tampa would need to thread the needle.
Still, if there’s a front office that’s earned the benefit of the doubt in these situations, it’s Tampa Bay’s. They’ve consistently found ways to stay competitive, even with limited resources, and their core - led by names like Stamkos, Kucherov, and Hedman - isn’t getting any younger. Adding a player like Panarin, who’s still producing at an elite level, could be the kind of move that pushes them back into serious contender territory.
Panarin’s fit in Tampa would be seamless. He’s a dynamic playmaker who thrives in high-tempo systems, and the idea of him lining up with fellow Russian stars like Kucherov is enough to make any Lightning fan dream big. He’d instantly elevate their top six and add another layer to an already potent power play.
Of course, the Rangers have to weigh all of this carefully. They’re not just moving a star player - they’re potentially reshaping their roster and future outlook. And if Panarin is willing to waive his no-move clause for Tampa, it likely means he sees a long-term fit there, which could influence the Rangers’ leverage in negotiations.
This is the kind of high-stakes, late-season drama that makes the NHL trade deadline so compelling. The Lightning are lurking, the Rangers are listening, and Panarin might just be the biggest name on the board. If Tampa can pull it off, it won’t just be a bold move - it could be a game-changer.