EDMONTON — The San Jose Sharks are reportedly interested in acquiring New York Rangers forward Artemi Panarin in a trade.

SJHN’s Sheng Peng first reported on Wednesday night that the Sharks have at least checked in on what it would cost to acquire Panarin. Peng also noted that the left-winger would be willing to sign an extension in San Jose.

The Rangers have shut down their superstar winger for the foreseeable future as they wait for a trade to materialize. Rumors began to swirl about Panarin being a potential fit with the Sharks after NHL Insider Elliotte Frieman reported that people around the league could see Panarin with Macklin Celebrini.

As the Olympic break approaches, there could be something of a mini trade deadline before NHL rosters freeze. If the San Jose Sharks are to acquire Panarin, they likely would need to act soon, as a team generally won’t hold a player out unless a trade is somewhat close.

There is no guarantee that the Rangers will trade Panarin before the break; teams could be hurrying to get in line to talk. Reports came out today that the Rangers have allowed Panarin’s agent to negotiate a potential extension with teams. Friedman reported that Panarin’s preference is to sign an extension with the team he’s traded to. The Rangers forward has a full no-move clause and can decline any trade.

LeBrun on Insider Trading says Panarin’s agent, Paul Theofanous, has been given permission to talk to other teams. He has reached out to all 3 California teams. LeBrun says he is told the Ducks are out right now, an extension does not make sense for them right now.

— NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) January 29, 2026

Insider Kevin Weekes says the San Jose Sharks are just one of 14 teams that have expressed interest in acquiring Panarin. Weekes reports that he expects more teams to be interested in the player.

What are the Sharks’ risks in acquiring Panarin?

Now, the risk for the Sharks is that Panarin is 34 years old and is seeking at least a four-year contract with an AAV of at least $10 million or above. Grier has signed one player to a three-year contract: Tyler Toffoli. Alexander Wennberg signed a three-year extension, and the Sharks are going to try to extend Kiefer Sherwood as well.

If the San Jose Sharks want to acquire Panarin from the Rangers, a significant return is likely needed. Yes, the Sharks have the draft capital, prospect depth, and cap space to make this happen, but is it too soon? The Sharks’ prospect pool is deep, and even a trade for Panarin wouldn’t empty the cupboards. Panarin is still producing (52 GP: 19G, 38A), and placing him next to Celebrini could be magic.

The Sharks are also reportedly in the market for a defenseman, and Panarin’s teammate Braden Schneider has been a name floating around. Unlike Panarin, there has not been any confirmed interest in Schneider by the Sharks. At 24 and a pending restricted free agent, the right-handed d-man could make more sense for the Sharks to pursue.

Panarin is the big fish for the 2026 Trade Deadline, and the San Jose Sharks could go for it. The fact that Panarin is willing to sign an extension with the Sharks could make this trade better, as the young roster isn’t ready for a true rental. GM Mike Grier confirmed that pursuing a rental isn’t part of his deadline plans.

There are a lot of moving parts right now, but the inquiry by the Sharks could merely mean they are seeing what the price is. Sure, there is a clear interest in acquiring him, but many teams share the same interest.