{"id":106485,"date":"2026-01-20T22:46:29","date_gmt":"2026-01-20T22:46:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/106485\/"},"modified":"2026-01-20T22:46:29","modified_gmt":"2026-01-20T22:46:29","slug":"how-sensible-is-it-for-each-nhl-team-to-trade-for-rangers-artemi-panarin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/106485\/","title":{"rendered":"How sensible is it for each NHL team to trade for Rangers\u2019 Artemi Panarin?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Artemi Panarin\u2019s future has become one of the top storylines leading into the March 6 trade deadline<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The longtime New York Rangers forward and pending unrestricted free agent is the subject of trade conversation after president and general manager Chris Drury released a statement announcing the team will \u201cretool\u201d and reportedly told Panarin the club will not offer him a contract extension<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Instead, New York will work with the 34-year-old winger, who has control of his situation with a full no-movement clause, to find a fit on the trade market<\/a>.<\/p>\n

How sensible is it for each team to trade for him?<\/p>\n

This week, The Athletic asked its NHL staff to put teams into one of four categories: it makes a lot of sense, it makes some sense, it makes a little bit of sense and it makes no sense.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s what they said.<\/p>\n

Anaheim Ducks<\/p>\n

It makes a little bit of sense<\/p>\n

The Ducks and Rangers have been recent trade partners, with general manager Pat Verbeek adding veterans Jacob Trouba and Chris Kreider as Drury looked to shed salary. Joel Quenneville also coached Panarin in Chicago, and there\u2019s more pressure to end a long playoff drought. Anaheim has enough cap space (if New York retains 50 percent), its high picks for the next few years and some prospect capital. But if the Ducks\u2019 forward group is healthy, there isn\u2019t much room to add him as a rental. \u2014 Eric Stephens<\/p>\n

Boston Bruins<\/p>\n

It makes some sense<\/p>\n

The Bruins could use help up front. It would be difficult for opponents to defend Panarin on one shift and David Pastrnak on the next. However, the cost of acquisition plus the investment in an extension would be quite expensive on both fronts. The Bruins would not want Panarin as a rental. \u2014 Fluto Shinzawa<\/p>\n

Buffalo Sabres<\/p>\n

It makes some sense<\/p>\n

Panarin would provide a boost to Buffalo\u2019s power play, and his playmaking ability would strengthen its top six. The big questions are what it would cost to acquire Panarin, whether he would waive his no-movement clause to play in Buffalo and whether the Sabres would have interest in or the ability to extend him. As a pure rental, it would be a gamble for Jarmo Kek\u00e4l\u00e4inen, who had Panarin in Columbus. The Sabres are in a wild-card position and should be looking to add, though. \u2014 Matthew Fairburn<\/p>\n

Calgary Flames<\/p>\n

It makes no sense<\/p>\n

Panarin will likely want to go to a contending team. The Flames aren\u2019t a contender and should be building toward the future. Offloading players and draft picks for an aging, yet dynamic offensive winger isn\u2019t quite right with the Flames\u2019 timeline. \u2014 Julian McKenzie<\/p>\n

Carolina Hurricanes<\/p>\n

It makes a little bit of sense<\/p>\n

Any team would be lucky to add Panarin because he\u2019s one of the most offensively talented players in the world. That said, the pending free agent isn\u2019t a great fit for Carolina\u2019s needs, given what the acquisition cost would be. The Hurricanes are chock-full of wingers, and Panarin\u2019s defensive shortcomings would likely give coach Rod Brind\u2019Amour fits. Carolina will dip its toe into any trade water it can find, but Panarin is an unlikely primary target. \u2014 Cory Lavalette<\/p>\n

Chicago Blackhawks<\/p>\n

It makes no sense<\/p>\n

The Blackhawks are staying their course. They\u2019re focusing on building from within and seeing what they actually have among their many early-round picks. They\u2019re hoping to add Anton Frondell and Roman Kantserov to their NHL mix next season. There are several reasons why the Blackhawks might not seek to acquire Panarin. From a hockey standpoint, they wouldn\u2019t give up assets to acquire him, and he just doesn\u2019t fit their timeline. \u2014 Scott Powers<\/p>\n

Colorado Avalanche<\/p>\n

It makes a little bit of sense<\/p>\n

On one hand, this move could make sense for both sides. From Panarin\u2019s side, there may not be a better opportunity to show his potential before hitting unrestricted free agency, playing on the best offense in hockey. From Colorado\u2019s side, Panarin could further bolster its already juggernaut offense and help the power play. However, the Avalanche have limited future assets to offer and would need to move pieces around to create the cap space. It\u2019s more likely they look to add a center. \u2014 Jesse Granger<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\n Artemi Panarin played for the Blue Jackets from 2017-19. (Kirk Irwin \/ Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Columbus Blue Jackets<\/p>\n

It makes a little bit of sense<\/p>\n

Boy, this is juicy. Panarin spent two seasons with the Blue Jackets before he signed as a free agent with the Rangers. The Blue Jackets could certainly use Panarin\u2019s incredible, lift-all-boats skills, but the idea of him returning seems like a stretch. For one, the Jackets aren\u2019t in a playoff spot. However, this needs to be made clear about Panarin: He didn\u2019t leave after the 2018-19 season because he didn\u2019t like living in central Ohio. He left because he always dreamed of playing for the Rangers. \u2014 Aaron Portzline<\/p>\n

Dallas Stars<\/p>\n

It makes a lot of sense<\/p>\n

When you\u2019ve come up one round short of the Stanley Cup Final in three straight postseasons, it\u2019s hard to overstate the urgency a franchise feels. Jim Nill has never been shy about going big at the trade deadline \u2014 Mikko Rantanen, anyone? \u2014 and with Tyler Seguin on LTIR, there\u2019s an obvious hole to fill. Panarin would round out a top six that already includes Rantanen, Jason Robertson, Wyatt Johnston, Roope Hintz and Matt Duchene. No team in the NHL, not even the Avs, would be able to match that. \u2014 Mark Lazerus<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\n Patrick Kane and Artemi Panarin played together on the Blackhawks from 2015-17. (Jonathan Daniel \/ Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Detroit Red Wings<\/p>\n

It makes a little bit of sense<\/p>\n

The Red Wings could use a top-six left wing, and Panarin is a very good one. He\u2019s also quite familiar with Patrick Kane. But Detroit\u2019s top six is already a bit undersized, and if it\u2019s going to make an add there, it would likely be for a player with more jam, as opposed to a more perimeter-oriented playmaker. \u2014 Max Bultman<\/p>\n

Edmonton Oilers<\/p>\n

It makes some sense<\/p>\n

Acquiring Panarin would be an exceptional move for the Oilers. It would require trading Adam Henrique, plus the Rangers retaining salary. Add a first-round draft pick, a top prospect or possibly more, depending on the quality of other offers. Andrew Mangiapane would need to go in a separate deal and that could happen soon (no retention would be key). The idea is a perfect fit for the team\u2019s needs. Panarin would have to waive his no-movement clause, and that\u2019s a lot of \u201cifs,\u201d but it\u2019s a fantastic hockey trade in theory. \u2014 Allan Mitchell<\/p>\n

Florida Panthers<\/p>\n

It makes some sense<\/p>\n

The Panthers are almost always a preferred destination for players such as Panarin, and his no-movement clause means he has control over where he goes. Where things get complicated is with the salary cap, as Florida doesn\u2019t know for certain when Aleksander Barkov will be back and if it\u2019ll have access to some, all or none of his cap space via LTIR at the trade deadline. Even Panarin at 50 percent retention is a big hit, so the Panthers would have to get creative to make it happen. But it could happen. \u2014 James Mirtle<\/p>\n

Los Angeles Kings<\/p>\n

It makes a little bit of sense<\/p>\n

The Kings, fighting for the playoffs with the retiring Anze Kopitar, desperately need someone of Panarin\u2019s caliber for their 31st-ranked offense. Panarin would instantly become their top scorer by a lot. But they also need to be real about what they are: an average team light on high-end skating prospects. A last-gasp move could result in lasting damage. I\u2019d stay away, but I\u2019m not GM Ken Holland. \u2014 Eric Stephens<\/p>\n

Minnesota Wild<\/p>\n

It makes a little bit of sense<\/p>\n

A year ago, we were convinced the Wild would want to team up Kirill Kaprizov with Panarin if Panarin got to free agency. However, we are not so sure anymore. The scoring winger is 34, and it\u2019s hard to believe the Wild are going to want to add another Paul Theofanous client after he leveraged them into giving Kaprizov a record eight-year, $136 million contract last September. Panarin can help as a rental, but the Wild\u2019s more pressing need is a center. \u2014 Joe Smith<\/p>\n

Montreal Canadiens<\/p>\n

It makes no sense<\/p>\n

The Canadiens definitely have a need for a top-six right wing, ideally one who shoots left to play with the right-shooting Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield. Panarin plays left wing, and he shoots right. He is also 34, and would become the oldest player on the Canadiens. To justify the acquisition cost, the Canadiens would much rather get a player who fits the age of their core. They are not at the stage of a rebuild at which you seek to add a finishing piece, which is what Panarin is. \u2014 Arpon Basu<\/p>\n

Nashville Predators<\/p>\n

It makes no sense<\/p>\n

Great job by Andrew Brunette and his team to get into the thick of playoff contention \u2014 highlighted by two wins over Colorado, including a 7-3 romp that handed the Avs their first home regulation loss of the season. But GM Barry Trotz isn\u2019t going to be a buyer, and he has essentially confirmed as much with recent comments. At most, he\u2019s standing pat. More likely, he\u2019s trading Ryan O\u2019Reilly. \u2014 Joe Rexrode<\/p>\n

New Jersey Devils<\/p>\n

It makes a little bit of sense<\/p>\n

The Devils are certainly in need of some spark, and Tom Fitzgerald mentioned recently wanting to add at forward. There are a few key roadblocks, though. For one, Panarin has a full no-movement clause and presumably wouldn\u2019t waive it for a team out of the playoffs. Secondly, it would only make sense from the Devils\u2019 perspective if he signs an extension as part of the deal. The current team hasn\u2019t done enough to warrant trading for an expensive rental. \u2014 Peter Baugh<\/p>\n

New York Islanders<\/p>\n

It makes a little bit of sense<\/p>\n

Adding an elite puck-moving winger would only help the Islanders on the ice; he would instantly become the team\u2019s No. 1 winger and give the team a deeper forward group. But it really doesn\u2019t make sense, despite the Isles\u2019 playoff standing, to go after a 34-year-old pending UFA (with the team\u2019s past interest aside). Instead, if this retooling team wants to make a splash up front, targets such as Jordan Kyrou or Jason Robertson would make a lot more sense. \u2014 Shayna Goldman<\/p>\n

New York Rangers<\/p>\n

It makes a lot of sense<\/p>\n

The Rangers have already essentially said they are moving on from Panarin. They\u2019re not offering him an extension and are working to trade him before the deadline. His time in New York is coming to a close. \u2014 Peter Baugh<\/p>\n

Ottawa Senators<\/p>\n

It makes a little bit of sense<\/p>\n

The Senators acquiring an offensive winger for their top six makes sense. A player such as Panarin makes sense if you\u2019re taking advantage of a competitive window. Ottawa, however, might not want to part with the assets needed to make a Panarin trade work. \u2014 Julian McKenzie<\/p>\n

Philadelphia Flyers<\/p>\n

It makes no sense<\/p>\n

The only position the Flyers are truly deep at right now is wing, and they may have one more coming at the end of the season in prospect Porter Martone. Unless the Flyers want to extend Panarin \u2014 which seems unlikely \u2014 this probably isn\u2019t even worth a phone call. \u2014 Kevin Kurz<\/p>\n

Pittsburgh Penguins<\/p>\n

It makes no sense<\/p>\n

The Penguins would love to add star power, but not if the player is older than 30. It would make zero sense for the Penguins to add yet another player making a large amount of money on the back end of his career. Forget about it. \u2014 Josh Yohe<\/p>\n

San Jose Sharks<\/p>\n

It makes no sense<\/p>\n

With no offense to Panarin and his vast offensive skills, the Sharks aren\u2019t one potential difference-maker away from a Stanley Cup run and don\u2019t need a 34-year-old winger to block the progress of William Eklund, Igor Chernyshov or any other oncoming prospects (Quentin Musty?), whether it\u2019s for the short-term or the long-term picture. Some of their vast amount of cap space can be applied elsewhere, such as Macklin Celebrini\u2019s next contract. \u2014 Eric Stephens<\/p>\n

Seattle Kraken<\/p>\n

It makes a little bit of sense<\/p>\n

The Kraken have punched well above their weight, buoyed by superlative goaltending and a solid defense-first team identity. A game breaker of Panarin\u2019s quality would improve the Kraken significantly, and give them a shot to sustain their playoff perch (and be a tougher playoff out if they get there), so it makes a bit of sense for Seattle to kick the tires. The Kraken, however, shouldn\u2019t spend on a rental player over 30 if it\u2019s not attached to a long-term commitment. \u2014 Thomas Drance<\/p>\n

St. Louis Blues<\/p>\n

It makes no sense<\/p>\n

In what has been an offensively inept season, the Blues would love to add a point-producing winger such as Panarin. However, he\u2019s not the answer because, first, he is 34 and that does not fit the age bracket of what the team is seeking. Even if Panarin can contribute offensively for a few more years, the Blues\u2019 young core with Jake Neighbours, Jimmy Snuggerud and Dalibor Dvorsky may not be ready to compete by then. Second, Panarin will cost too much \u2014 both in a trade and on his next contract. \u2014 Jeremy Rutherford<\/p>\n

Tampa Bay Lightning<\/p>\n

It makes some sense<\/p>\n

The Lightning stand as the strongest contender in the East, but management will likely look for ways to solidify that and set this team up for a deep run. So a Panarin trade could make some sense as it would strengthen the top six and add a right-handed shot to play the left circle on PP1. The problem is the Lightning\u2019s asset pool is depleted and they\u2019re already up against the cap, so the logistics would be tough to navigate. \u2014 Shayna Goldman<\/p>\n

Toronto Maple Leafs<\/p>\n

It makes some sense<\/p>\n

On paper, Panarin would obviously be a great fit for the Leafs. He could give Auston Matthews the elite sidekick he\u2019s lacked since Mitch Marner\u2019s departure. But what about the assets needed to acquire him? The Leafs don\u2019t have many and already have a Chris Tanev-sized hole on defense that needs filling. If there were a path to getting both \u2014 Panarin and an upgrade on defense \u2014 that would be a home run for the Leafs. It just doesn\u2019t seem likely. \u2014 Jonas Siegel<\/p>\n

Utah Mammoth<\/p>\n

It makes no sense<\/p>\n

Utah has a good chance of making the playoffs and certainly has the excess draft picks and deep prospect pool to make an aggressive addition if it wants. However, this is a very young core that is just beginning to rise, not a bona fide Cup contender. With that in mind, if the Mammoth take a big, expensive swing on a deadline acquisition, it should probably be for a player that has term beyond this season rather than an older rental such as Panarin. \u2014 Harman Dayal<\/p>\n

Vancouver Canucks<\/p>\n

It makes no sense<\/p>\n

The Canucks are rebuilding. This is the opposite of the sort of trades they should and will be making. \u2014 Thomas Drance<\/p>\n

Vegas Golden Knights<\/p>\n

It makes no sense<\/p>\n

The Golden Knights don\u2019t have the cap space to fit even half of Panarin\u2019s $11.6 million (assuming retention), and they certainly won\u2019t have the space to sign him to an extension beyond this season. Yes, they\u2019ve taken plenty of big swings for star players, but they typically only do so when they believe they\u2019ll sign them long-term, and that doesn\u2019t feel realistic with Panarin. \u2014 Jesse Granger<\/p>\n

Washington Capitals<\/p>\n

It makes a lot of sense<\/p>\n

Ignoring for a second the whole \u201ctrading a star within the division\u201d element, Panarin couldn\u2019t make more sense in D.C. The Capitals are openly looking for a high-end winger, have a solid crop of prospects and have all of their own first-round picks for the foreseeable future. Panarin would push them squarely back toward the top of the Metro Division, set them up for another playoff run with Alex Ovechkin and potentially fit with the rest of a win-now core for the next few years. \u2014 Sean Gentille<\/p>\n

Winnipeg Jets<\/p>\n

It makes no sense<\/p>\n

The Jets, desperate for scoring beyond the top line, would obviously benefit from adding a dynamic game breaker such as Panarin to their lineup. However, with Winnipeg sitting 31st in the NHL standings, it\u2019d be impossible to justify paying a lucrative package to acquire a top-flight rental. The Jets aren\u2019t one or two pieces away from contending and should use this as a year to hold onto their picks and prospects. \u2014 Harman Dayal<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Artemi Panarin\u2019s future has become one of the top storylines leading into the March 6 trade deadline. The…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":106486,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[11810,30131,3297,12389,18126,35114,24061,16788,25519,19694,3179,1054,12401,17203,8194,48214,16343,22380,9,24,55,54,6821,541,539,56,32760,11811,48215,8066,16327,48216,22230,5534,48217,13976,25552,1055,47243],"class_list":{"0":"post-106485","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-new-york-city","8":"tag-anaheim-ducks","9":"tag-boston-bruins","10":"tag-buffalo-sabres","11":"tag-calgary-flames","12":"tag-carolina-hurricanes","13":"tag-chicago-blackhawks","14":"tag-colorado-avalanche","15":"tag-columbus-blue-jackets","16":"tag-dallas-stars","17":"tag-detroit-red-wings","18":"tag-edmonton-oilers","19":"tag-fantasy-hockey","20":"tag-florida-panthers","21":"tag-los-angeles-kings","22":"tag-minnesota-wild","23":"tag-montreal-canadiens","24":"tag-nashville-predators","25":"tag-new-jersey-devils","26":"tag-new-york","27":"tag-new-york-city","28":"tag-new-york-city-headlines","29":"tag-new-york-city-news","30":"tag-new-york-islanders","31":"tag-new-york-rangers","32":"tag-nhl","33":"tag-ny","34":"tag-ottawa-senators","35":"tag-philadelphia-flyers","36":"tag-pittsburgh-penguins","37":"tag-san-jose-sharks","38":"tag-seattle-kraken","39":"tag-st-louis-blues","40":"tag-tampa-bay-lightning","41":"tag-toronto-maple-leafs","42":"tag-utah-mammoth","43":"tag-vancouver-canucks","44":"tag-vegas-golden-knights","45":"tag-washington-capitals","46":"tag-winnipeg-jets"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/106485","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=106485"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/106485\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/106486"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=106485"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=106485"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=106485"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}