Panarin Trade Frenzy: Top Destinations Heating Up as Deadline Looms The Artemi Panarin saga is dominating the rumor mill right now. The Rangers have kept him out of the lineup until the Olympic break, and with his full no-move clause, Panarin ultimately controls where he goes.

No question he is pushing hard for a contract extension…potentially $50 million over several years. As Elliotte Friedman recently noted, nearly half the league has shown interest, but Panarin’s preference appears to lean toward Eastern Conference contenders with a legitimate Cup window or warm weather.

Rangers GM Chris Drury is believed to be seeking a Brock Nelson–style return — a first-round pick, a top prospect, and possibly more.

Florida is believed to be Panarin’s top preference according to multiple reports. His close friendship with Sergei Bobrovsky, combined with the Panthers’ Cup-contender status and South Florida lifestyle, makes this a natural fit. The problem is the cap. With big commitments to Barkov and Tkachuk, Florida would need significant salary retention or creative roster maneuvering. They also lack premium draft capital in the near term. Still, Bill Zito knows Panarin well from their time in Columbus — and if anyone can find a workaround, it’s him.

2) San Jose Sharks (E4)This one is gaining real traction. San Jose has ample cap space, two 2026 first-round picks (including Edmonton’s), and a strong prospect pool. They are also open to giving Panarin a multi-year extension.  From the Sharks’ perspective, adding a superstar to mentor their young core while accelerating the rebuild makes sense. This is quietly becoming one of the most realistic landing spots

3) Washington Capitals (E4)

Imagine Panarin alongside Alex Ovechkin in a push toward history. Washington has some cap flexibility and movable prospects, making a deal feasible.The challenge is age and term. Panarin is 34, and a long extension could be risky. But if the Capitals believe this move helps Ovechkin chase 1,000 goals, they may be willing to stretch.

4) Carolina Hurricanes (E3)

The Hurricanes are always hunting elite offensive talent. Panarin would slide perfectly into Rod Brind’Amour’s system and give Carolina the true superstar winger they’ve lacked.A package could include a first-round pick and top prospects like Jackson Blake. An extension isn’t guaranteed, but Carolina’s Cup-contender status makes them very appealing.

5) Los Angeles Kings (E3) / Anaheim Ducks (E2)

Kings: Cap space, a 2026 first, and a veteran core make this workable if they want to push for a deep playoff run and extend Panarin.

Ducks: There are old Chicago ties with Joel Quenneville, but this feels unlikely. The timeline simply doesn’t fit.

6) Detroit Red Wings (E3)

 Friedman has mentioned Detroit as a serious player. Pairing Panarin with Dylan Larkin and Detroit’s young core could immediately elevate them into true contention. They have the prospects and picks to make a deal work. The challenge is the cap, but this has all the hallmarks of a Steve Yzerman swing.

7) Philadelphia Flyers (E3)

Philadelphia has cap space and prospects, but Panarin’s age doesn’t perfectly match their timeline. However, if he’s willing to sign a three-year extension, this suddenly becomes far more realistic.