Artemi Panarin might be the best free agent signing by the Rangers in their 100 year history (on the ice, at least). In every year since he arrived, Panarin has led the Rangers in scoring and has been one of the most dynamic players in the NHL. No one is denying the offensive capabilities of Panarin, he shows it every single year. But it might be worth it to trade Artemi Panarin, with the proper due diligence of course, as he will be 34 years old and the Rangers’ current trajectory may not mesh with Panarin’s contract demands.
Some of the main pieces that make up the Rangers offensive core are beginning to trend toward the wrong side of 30 and GM Chris Drury, if this season goes off the rails similar to last one, might have to trade Artemi Panarin, or at least get deep into considering it, to get back some younger pieces that can help the future of the franchise. Another thing to consider is how will the Rangers replace that kind of production? They just traded Chris Kreider and are already thin in top-six talent.
It’s a bit early to call for the Rangers to trade Artemi Panarin, especially with just 10 goals in those 4 games and getting shutout twice. There were many positives about the last three games, even with Charlie Lindgren stealing one. But this scoring story likely won’t go away any time soon, and the calls to trade Artemi Panarin may get louder if the Rangers continue with inconsistent offense. The flip side is the impact of losing Panarin on a team that is already starved for scoring.
Complicating matters are reports that Panarin will not take a “hometown discount.” The Rangers simply shouldn’t pay him over his current $11.6 million a year for another 4-5 season, especially if they need to pivot from their current contending window. The trade deadline could get pretty wild if Drury sends up the smoke signal that he is looking to trade Artemi Panarin. What teams would want him? What way could the Rangers go with the deal?
If they trade Artemi Panarin, he could bring in a haul
If the Rangers truly look to trade Artemi Panarin, he would be easily the best pure rental on the market. Nathan MacKinnon would probably love having Panarin on one side and Martin Necas on the other. The Florida Panthers have some LTIR space available with Aleksandar Barkov’s injury, and can you imagine Panarin and Matthew Tkachuk playing together? The Dallas Stars are an intriguing option as well because they have their own star winger issues to work out with Jason Robertson.
If a the Rangers look to trade Artemi Panarin, Drury will have his suitors lined up. Does he go with players of the same age who may provide the same offensive spark? Or does Drury trade him for futures? It’s safe to assume it’s a bit of both, with Drury looking for a cost controlled player with high upside, though their needs might change by the time they look to (or if they) trade Artemi Panarin.
It’s no secret that left defense is an area of need for the team because after Gavrikov…the depth just doesn’t look great. The Rangers would also need to consider the drop in offense if they trade Artemi Panarin. Drury could also go the futures route and take on some intriguing young players. It’s likely the Rangers get a 1st round pick if they explore this option, which would go well with their pair of 2026 first rounders. As for players, aside from spitballing, it’s too soon to tell who would be the target if they trade Artemi Panarin.
The best strategy for Drury could be going after that additional first round pick or trying some kind of Panarin/Jason Robertson swap with Dallas (if he’s still in contract purgatory), though the Rangers would need to add to make it work for Dallas since Robertson has another year left of team control. This is the pipe dream of all pipe dreams as he’s probably going to re-sign, but for now he’s still a pending RFA.
It is not a foregone conclusion that the Rangers look to trade Artemi Panarin, but there is a realistic chance that the Rangers are both unable or unwilling to re-sign Panarin and they fall out of the playoff race. In this scenario, they would be much better served by looking to trade Artemi Panarin for a chance for bring in pieces to give them a better future. Whether its for a first round pick or a younger offensive dynamo like Jason Robertson, or even a left defense trade we haven’t thought of yet; the Rangers could be reaping the benefits for years to come.
Lineup impacts in a theoretical Panain trade
Naturally some of the conversation will shift to powerplay minutes should the Rangers actually move forward with this idea. Alexis Lafreniere is the obvious choice to replace Panarin on his off-wing, and the transition would be relatively seamless since Laf is already replacing the injured Vincent Trocheck. Laf has more than earned the chance to get an extended look on PP1 and it’s about time he gets that look.
At 5v5, the most logical choice to move into the top-six is Gabe Perreault. Perrault is the Rangers most talented prospect and his ceiling is sky high. With the way the 2026 free agent class is disappearing, this may be their only option if Panarin is gone. With few, if any, reinforcements available to sign, it would become absolutely critical to nail this trade, either with futures or with a player ready to step in right away.
Worth noting that Panarin would likely be the gem of the class now with all other options off the board. Makes you wonder if that is playing into his contract demands and why it might behoove the Rangers to trade him.
Panarin’s time in New York has been everything the team has hoped for, minus winning the Stanley Cup. His departure will send ripples throughout the entire organization. Depending how this season plays out and potential offers on the table, it very well could be in everyone’s best interest if Panarin is playing hockey for another organization after the trade deadline.
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