Artemi Panarin’s Absence Sparks Frenzy: Which NHL Teams Are Ready to Make a Blockbuster Move?
Artemi Panarin’s absence from the New York Rangers’ lineup on January 28th wasn’t just a blip on the schedule—it signaled a deeper chess game at play as the team navigates roster management ahead of the Olympic roster freeze starting February 4th. The headlines from The Athletic and other outlets hint that we might not see Panarin on the ice again before the break, stirring speculation about his future with the Rangers. As the team’s top trade asset, Panarin’s status holds weight—especially with GM Chris Drury openly discussing a roster “retool” in a recent letter to fans. Leading the Rangers in scoring every season since 2019, Panarin continues to dazzle with 57 points in 52 games this year. Yet, this final contract year, underscored by a full no-movement clause, grants him more control than most in where he lands next—assuming a new deal is secured beforehand. Spotlights now turn to potential landing spots for this prolific forward as the trade deadline looms, where teams with cap space and playoff ambitions might just make their move. LEARN MORE
Artemi Panarin was held out of the New York Rangers‘ lineup on Wednesday, Jan. 28 for roster management purposes.
The Athletic and other media organizations said Panarin isn’t likely to play before the Olympic break. The Olympic roster freeze begins on Feb. 4.
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He’s the most valuable trade asset the Rangers have after general manager Chris Drury said in a letter to fans that they planned to “retool” the roster. Panarin has led the team in scoring each season since signing as a free agent in 2019. He leads again with 57 points in 52 games.
Panarin is in the final year of his contract but has a full no-movement clause, meaning he has the final say on where he goes if traded. TSN reported that Panarin, who averages $11.6 million in his current deal, would want an extension lined up before signing off on a trade.
Here are some possible places where it could make sense for Panarin to end up in a trade:
They have been aggressive the past two seasons, trading for Jake Guentzel and Mikko Rantanen, though they weren’t able to re-sign those players. The Hurricanes likely want to make a splash again as they try to get past the third round. They have cap space and a first-round pick.
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The Red Wings are a legitimate threat to end their nine-year playoff drought. They made only minor moves at last year’s deadline, which drew criticism. Acquiring Panarin would be a major addition and the Red Wings have tons of cap space. Panarin would be reunited with former Blackhawks and Rangers teammate Patrick Kane.
The Stars were also aggressive last season, trading for and signing Rantanen at the 2025 deadline. They could use forward help with Tyler Seguin out after ACL surgery. But they lack a first-round pick and their cap situation is tight.
If they could acquire and sign Panarin, it would help the team’s future with Anze Kopitar going to retire after the season. They have a first-round pick and workable cap space.
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Vegas Golden Knights
When are they not in the mix whenever a big name is available? They already traded for Rasmus Andersson this season. It doesn’t matter what their cap situation is. They find a way.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Artemi Panarin landing spots: Where Rangers star could go
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