The Trade Offer: Artemi Panarin for a 2026 1st-round pick, a 2027 2nd-round pick, and forward Aliaksei Protas, with salary retained on Panarin

Much like why we included the Kings, we’re including the Washington Capitals because they’ve been mentioned as a possible destination for Panarin. This one feels less likely to me, mainly because of the cap situation—it seems like the route that would make this most possible is one where the Rangers retain salary, and the Capitals move some money out. And the player I propose being traded to the Rangers to make this happen is going to make a lot of Capitals fans hate me.

Forward Aliaksei Protas has garnered quite a few fans in his time in the NHL, including among his teammates. He’s the power forward type, including size-wise, standing 6’6″ and 250 pounds. Last season, he hit the 30-goal mark, and this season he’s proving it wasn’t a fluke, with 16 already. He’s an attractive, cost-controlled option for the Rangers, with three more seasons after this one at $3.375 million. While at 25, he’s not as young as some other options we’ve considered, he’s still young enough. 

Losing him wouldn’t feel good for the Capitals, but somehow signing Panarin to an extension would make the sting go away pretty nicely. I’m not sure whether they could do it, but more unlikely things have happened. And while they’re on the outside looking in right now, acquiring Panarin would go a long way toward a playoff push.