Trade winds are swirling in Winnipeg, and one name floating near the center of it all is defenseman Logan Stanley. The 6-foot-7 blueliner has been a topic of conversation lately, with multiple insiders suggesting his time with the Jets may be winding down. On a recent episode of Daily Faceoff Live, David Pagnotta hinted that a move could be imminent, and Elliotte Friedman echoed that sentiment on 32 Thoughts, linking Winnipeg and Detroit as potential trade partners.
But here’s where things get really interesting: Friedman also mentioned that Detroit has eyes on Artemi Panarin. And while that might seem like a separate thread, it opens the door to a much bolder possibility - Panarin to Winnipeg.
Let’s break that down.
What Panarin Would Bring to the Jets
The Jets have been searching for a game-breaking scorer to elevate their offense, especially in a season where consistency has been hard to come by. Panarin, even at this stage in his career, is still one of the league’s most dynamic offensive threats. He’s the kind of player who can change a game in a single shift - and the kind of presence who draws defenders, creates space, and makes everyone around him better.
For a Winnipeg team that’s struggled to find that extra gear in 2026, adding Panarin would be a statement. It would also be a calculated risk.
The veteran winger is reportedly looking for a long-term extension - think four or five years at around $10 million per season. That kind of commitment would take him into his late 30s, and while his current production is elite, the back end of that deal could get dicey.
Still, if the Jets believe they’re a piece away from contending - or if they’re looking to retool quickly rather than rebuild - Panarin could be worth the gamble.
What the Rangers Could Get in Return
On the flip side, the Rangers wouldn’t be giving Panarin away for free. A potential return centered around Logan Stanley and a high draft pick could be appealing, especially if New York is looking to reconfigure its roster with younger, cost-controlled assets.
Stanley’s value is quietly on the rise. He’s not just a towering presence on the back end - he’s also chipped in offensively with eight goals in 51 games, and his $1.25 million cap hit makes him a budget-friendly option for any contender. Add in his physicality and penalty-killing chops, and it’s easy to see why teams would be interested.
For the Rangers, who may be eyeing a bit of a reset or looking to free up cap space for other moves, this could be a smart way to stay competitive while planning for the future.
Should the Jets Make This Move?
That’s the million-dollar question - or more accurately, the $10 million-per-year question.
With playoff odds hovering below 10 percent, Winnipeg may be closer to seller than buyer territory. If that’s the case, moving Stanley now makes sense.
He’s a pending free agent, and the Jets risk losing him for nothing if they hang on too long. But if they believe Panarin could be a foundational piece for the next few years, and if they’re willing to pony up for the extension, this could be the kind of bold swing that reshapes the franchise.
It’s a gamble - no question. But sometimes, the biggest payoffs come from the boldest bets.
Whether this deal materializes or not, one thing’s clear: both the Jets and Rangers are at crossroads. And Logan Stanley might just be the key to unlocking a blockbuster.