NHL Shockwaves: Will the Rangers Pull Off a Last-Minute Artemi Panarin Trade Before the Olympic Freeze?

The clock is ticking down, the buzz is electric, and all eyes are fixated on a very pressing question: will the New York Rangers manage to pull off a blockbuster deal for Artemi Panarin before the 3 PM trade deadline strikes? This isn’t just any trade chatter — it’s the kind of high-stakes negotiation that has ripple effects throughout the league, especially with the Olympic roster freeze looming large. Panarin hasn’t laced up with the Rangers all week, steering clear of team practices, which only adds layers to this unfolding drama. Both parties are passionately driving toward a resolution, but this isn’t a simple handoff; Panarin’s contract intricacies and his no-movement clause mean his camp holds significant sway here. From the Capitals to the Kings, and even the Maple Leafs poking around, a slew of contenders are maneuvering in the shadows, each hoping to seize this opportunity. As tensions rise and the deadline inches closer, the question remains: will all the pieces align, or will this saga hit an impasse until post-Olympics? Stay tuned — what happens next could reshape the NHL landscape in ways few expect. LEARN MORE

Can the New York Rangers get an Artemi Panarin trade done by 3:00 PM?

TSN: Chris Johnston on Early Trading on the latest involving Artemi Panarin and the New York Rangers, just hours before the Olympic trade freeze.

** NHLRumors.com transcription

Glenn Schiiler: “Here’s our hockey insider, Chris Johnston, just mere hours away from the NHL Olympic roster freeze. Chris, a lot of attention remains on the New York Rangers, specifically, their top trade target Artemi Panarin. What’s the latest on him, potentially being moved before 3 pm today?”

Johnston: “What I can tell you is that attention is warranted. There is a real push and desire from both sides, Panarin side and the Rangers, to try to see this through to a conclusion prior to that 3 pm eastern deadline kicking in on Wednesday.

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And there’s lots of reasons for that. I mean, someone with close to these talks pointed out to me on this morning, that you know, Artemi Panarin, not only has he not played for the Rangers for the last week as they started to work through this, he hasn’t been practicing with the team either. He’s been skating on his own. And so in the event that something doesn’t happen, it’s a long way for him until February 23rd, when trades can resume on the other side of the Olympics.

So I think that that’s something to consider, but it’s also a complicated transaction. Artemi Panarin’s desire remains to sign a contract extension as part of a trade. He’s got a no-movement clause, so really, he and his agent are driving the bus on these discussions. And there’s been a lot of teams involved here.

The Washington Capitals have put forward a big offer for Panarin. The Los Angeles Kings, San Jose Sharks, they both have shown interest to some degree. There’s a lot of attention on the perennial buyers, the Florida Panthers, the Tampa Bay Lightning, Dallas Stars. And I think the contract is a little more complicated for teams in that pool.

I’ve even heard a team like the Toronto Maple Leafs has at least kicked some tires on Panarin. And no doubt the list is longer than that, as perhaps there’s a surprise waiting out there.

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So a lot has to come together now in the last few hours, but I can tell you that between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, those talks do continue, and there is hope that they can find a resolution before the trade freeze kicks in.”

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