The NHL trade market is heating up, and all eyes are on one of the league’s most dynamic offensive weapons: Artemi Panarin. With the Olympic roster freeze looming, the New York Rangers are suddenly at the center of a potential blockbuster - and the Tampa Bay Lightning are emerging as a serious contender in the mix.
Let’s start with the big headline: Panarin, a perennial scoring threat and one of the most skilled wingers in the game, has recently been scratched for what the Rangers are calling “roster management” reasons. That phrase alone is enough to raise eyebrows, but when it’s paired with swirling trade rumors, it’s clear something’s brewing in New York.
The Rangers’ decision to sit Panarin has only intensified speculation that a move could be imminent. And with the Olympic freeze deadline approaching fast, the window for action is narrowing. If the Blueshirts are going to make a move, it’ll have to come soon - and Tampa Bay is one of the teams reportedly kicking the tires.
Now, the Lightning are already exceeding expectations this season. Despite battling through injuries to key players, they’re right in the thick of the Atlantic Division race.
But adding a player like Panarin? That’s not just a boost - that’s a potential game-changer.
On Wednesday’s edition of Daily Faceoff LIVE, NHL insider David Pagnotta shed some light on where things stand. According to Pagnotta, Tampa Bay has indeed explored the possibility of acquiring Panarin.
He spoke with Lightning GM Julien BriseBois recently, and while BriseBois didn’t tip his hand, he made it clear that any addition would need to help the team now and beyond. That’s a key detail - this isn’t just about a rental.
Tampa is thinking long-term.
And that’s where things get interesting. Panarin isn’t a typical rental.
He’s under contract, but if the Rangers are willing to retain salary - which, according to Pagnotta, is expected - that opens the door for a team like Tampa, who doesn’t have a ton of cap space to play with. BriseBois would have to get creative, but that’s nothing new for a front office that’s made a habit of navigating tight financial waters.
Still, Tampa isn’t the only team in the hunt. Pagnotta mentioned that Carolina and Los Angeles are also in the mix, and if this does become a pure rental situation, teams like Dallas, Colorado, and Edmonton could jump in. But the prevailing sense right now is that this deal - if it happens - is more likely to involve a longer-term commitment.
That’s what makes Tampa’s interest so compelling. They’re not just looking to make a splash for the postseason.
They’re looking at a player who could be a foundational piece moving forward. Panarin’s blend of elite playmaking, scoring touch, and postseason experience would make him a natural fit in Tampa’s high-octane system - especially once their injured stars return to the lineup.
Of course, nothing’s done yet. The next few hours will be critical as teams jockey for position ahead of the roster freeze. But one thing’s clear: the Lightning are in the conversation, and when Tampa’s front office gets involved, you can never count them out.
Whether or not this deal gets across the finish line, the fact that Panarin is even available - and that a team like Tampa is circling - tells you everything you need to know about how high the stakes are heading into the Olympic break.