With the New York Rangers languishing at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings and their playoff hopes all but extinguished, the front office has made a clear decision: Artemi Panarin will be held out of the lineup through the Olympic break starting February 4. This move isn’t just about rest or rotation - it’s a strategic play to avoid injury risk and preserve one of their most valuable trade chips. And let’s be honest, it strongly suggests a deal is coming sooner rather than later.
Panarin, even at 34, remains the Rangers’ most dynamic offensive weapon - and still one of the league’s elite playmakers. But with his contract set to expire this summer and the Rangers eyeing a roster retool, the writing’s on the wall. They’re not planning to re-sign a forward who’ll turn 35 before next season, no matter how productive he still is.
So the question isn’t if Panarin will be traded - it’s where. Let’s break down three landing spots that make the most sense, both from a hockey and a business perspective.
Carolina Hurricanes: The Front-Runner With the Firepower
If you're looking for the most logical destination, Carolina checks just about every box. Yes, they’re a division rival, which might make things a little awkward, but these two teams have done business before - most recently in the offseason when the Hurricanes acquired defenseman K’Andre Miller. So precedent isn’t an issue.
What makes Carolina especially intriguing is their combination of cap flexibility and trade assets. With more than $7 million in available space, they can absorb Panarin’s remaining contract without having to do financial gymnastics.
That’s a huge advantage. On top of that, they’re armed with four first-round picks over the next three years - plenty of ammunition to put together a compelling offer.
And let’s not forget the Hurricanes are in full win-now mode. They’ve been knocking on the door for years, but every deep playoff run has eventually run into the same wall: a lack of elite goal-scoring when it matters most. Adding Panarin to a lineup that already plays fast, structured hockey could be the difference-maker they’ve been searching for.
The one wrinkle? Carolina’s front office is wary of rentals.
They’ve been burned before - most recently when Jake Guentzel walked in free agency after a deadline acquisition, and again when they had to flip Mikko Rantanen to Dallas before last year’s deadline to avoid the same fate. They’re not interested in giving up premium assets for a few months of production.
But if they believe there’s a real shot at re-signing Panarin - or if they’re willing to roll the dice - this could be a blockbuster.
Detroit Red Wings: Ready to Take the Next Step
Don’t look now, but the Red Wings are finally turning the corner. After nearly a decade of playoff absences, this group has a real shot at ending the drought - and they’ve got the core to build around.
Lucas Raymond, Alex DeBrincat, Dylan Larkin, and Moritz Seider (who’s playing like a Norris contender) have given this team a foundation. But to make a serious playoff push?
They need more firepower.
Right now, Detroit’s top line is carrying a heavy load. The secondary scoring just hasn’t been there consistently, and that’s a problem come playoff time when depth becomes the name of the game. Panarin wouldn’t just provide scoring - he’d give them a veteran presence with playoff experience and elite puck distribution that could elevate everyone around him.
From a logistics standpoint, Detroit is in a strong position. They’ve got cap space, a full slate of draft picks, and a solid prospect pool.
There’s no reason they can’t be aggressive here. If GM Steve Yzerman believes this team is ready to take the next step, this is the kind of move that could help them get there - and maybe even make some noise once they do.
Los Angeles Kings: A Swing Worth Taking
The Kings are in a trickier spot. They’re hovering on the playoff bubble in the Western Conference, so they’re not the most obvious buyer on this list. But there’s a sense of urgency around this group that can’t be ignored.
Anze Kopitar, the face of the franchise for nearly two decades, is set to retire after this season. That alone could push the front office to go all-in for one last run during his farewell tour. Add in the fact that they’ve been bounced in the first round four straight years, and it’s clear something needs to change.
The biggest issue? Offense.
It’s been a problem since the offseason and still hasn’t been addressed in a meaningful way. The Kings have a solid defensive structure and strong goaltending, but they’re simply not scoring enough to compete with the top teams in the West.
That’s where Panarin comes in.
If L.A. can find a way to climb into a top-three spot in the Pacific - and that part of the bracket is wide open - there’s a real opportunity to make a run. Panarin’s playmaking and finishing touch could be exactly what this team needs to get over the hump. The question is whether the front office is willing to take the risk, especially if there’s no guarantee he stays past this season.
But sometimes, the right move isn’t the safest one. For the Kings, this might be the kind of bold swing that’s worth taking.
Bottom Line
Artemi Panarin is one of the most impactful players on the market - a game-changer with the kind of offensive skill set that can tilt a playoff series. Whether it’s Carolina, Detroit, or L.A., the interest is there. And with the Rangers clearly ready to move on, it’s only a matter of time before someone makes the call.
The question now: Who’s going to step up and make the move that could shift the balance of power heading into the postseason?