New York Rangers leading scorer Artemi Panarin is arguably the best skater likely to be traded in advance of this season’s trade deadline, and as a result, it appears the Rangers are set to receive a significant package of assets in exchange for the pending UFA’s services. Yesterday, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported on the Saturday Headlines segment of Hockey Night in Canada that the Rangers’ “starting point” in terms of their asking price on any Panarin trade is the package received by the New York Islanders when they traded away Brock Nelson last year.
The Islanders received a first-round pick, top prospect Calum Ritchie, and a third-round pick from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for Nelson, who was also a pending UFA. That would indicate that the Rangers are, at least, looking for a first-rounder and a high-quality prospect in exchange for Panarin. Nelson was, and is, certainly not of the same caliber of talent as Panarin, but unlike Panarin, Nelson has the extremely valuable attribute of being a natural center, which upped his value considerably. Friedman named the Anaheim Ducks, Washington Capitals, and the Los Angeles Kings as teams that are considering making a pitch to acquire Panarin. The veteran, who has 56 points in 51 games this year, has the protection of a full no-move clause in his contract.
Other notes from around the NHL:
- Friedman also issued an update on the status of New Jersey Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton, who is widely considered to be one of the top blueliners available to be acquired via trade. Per Friedman, the recent injury to blueliner Luke Hughes has slowed trade talks surrounding Hamilton “to a crawl” as the Devils await further clarity on the status of their promising young defenseman. Hamilton has 17 points in 46 games played this season and is under contract at a $9MM AAV through 2027-2028.
- The St. Louis Blues are likely to be among the selling teams in this year’s trade market as they currently sit second-to-last in the Western Conference with 47 points. One of the players they are considering trading is veteran defenseman Justin Faulk, a 33-year-old with one more year under contract at $6.5MM AAV. Friedman reported yesterday that the Blues are looking for a trade package comparable to what the Calgary Flames received in exchange for Rasmus Andersson in any Faulk deal. (The Flames received a first-rounder and a conditional second-round pick for Andersson alongside veteran Zach Whitecloud.) Faulk has been St. Louis’ No. 3 defenseman in terms of ice time this season, and has 24 points in 52 games.
lol no one is giving that up for Faulk
I could see them getting a first and a lower tier prospect if they retain 25 to 50 percent this year.or even a second and decent prospect. He’s having a good year and suddenly is less an albatross next year with the cap raises
I really hope the Rangers can get a guy like Nikishin from the canes or someone similar
How about K’Andre Miller?
No chance Nikishin goes for a rental. Maybe you can get Nadeau and picks.
That’s funny. I heard they tried teaching him to body check, put a month into it and he still couldn’t get the concept so they gave up. Softest big guy to ever put on skates.
Even if they have an extension in place?
The real question is does Artemi Panarin want to go to Anaheim, Washington, or Los Angeles as he has full control on where he goes. New York can get all the assets they want from either of these teams but if Panarin doesn’t want to go there, they’re crap out of luck then.
Panarin will help those 3 borderline teams possibly make the playoffs, but won’t help as much if they get in. Paying that amount for him is not a good idea for those teams (I don’t root for any of them). He’s not as good in the playoffs as the regular season. These teams are not top Cup contenders right now.
I would imagine that much of a haul would have to include an extension and trade, or something similar for the barely-in or just-out of the playoff teams.
San Jose would be a good destination for Panarin. They are shooting for the playoffs, but not necessarily do anything in the playoffs. And that’s exactly what Panarin can help them with.
SJ has enough futures to afford the rental. And they might be able to afford signing him to a 3-4 year contract thereafter.
Please no. That’d be a full blown glass cannon approach. 100% offense, zero defense.
Maybe Izerplan includes reunite Panarin with Kane… Time will tell