There’s no question that the New York Rangers are looking to move pending unrestricted free agent Artemi Panarin before today’s 3 p.m. CT Olympic roster freeze. A handful of teams have already been prominently linked to Panarin, and a recent update from David Pagnotta alerted that the situation remains incredibly fluid, lowering the chances of a trade coming together by this afternoon.
In his update, Pagnotta suggested that the Carolina Hurricanes, Florida Panthers, Los Angeles Kings, and San Jose Sharks remain interested in acquiring Panarin with an extension. In contrast, the Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Stars, and Edmonton Oilers view him only as a rental. Additionally, Pagnotta mentioned that unless something changes relatively soon, the Anaheim Ducks, Detroit Red Wings, Utah Mammoth, and Washington Capitals are no longer in the running.
On yesterday’s edition of Insider Trading, TSN’s Chris Johnston reported that at least one team has put $40MM on the table for Panarin, which would presumably translate to a three-year deal with an AAV of $13.3MM or a four-year contract with an AAV of $10MM.
Other updates from this morning:
- In the same update from Pagnotta, he suggests that the Sharks are actively shopping Timothy Liljegren, as well as other pending-UFA defensemen, on the trade market. San Jose could ultimately sign a few of them to extensions over the next few weeks, though Pagnotta confirmed that Liljegren is not a part of the organization’s long-term plans. The former 17th overall pick in the 2017 NHL Draft has 10 assists in 41 games this season, averaging 20:15 of ice time per contest.
- Lastly, Pagnotta reported that if the Toronto Maple Leafs pivot toward selling ahead of the March 6th trade deadline, plenty of teams will be interested in acquiring Oliver Ekman-Larsson. It won’t be without hurdles, as the 34-year-old defenseman is signed through the 2027-28 season at a $3.5MM salary with a 16-team no-trade clause. Still, he’s having an excellent offensive year with Toronto, scoring eight goals and 34 points in 56 games, with most of that production coming at even strength.
As a hockey fan, Panarin to SJ would be good to see. As a King’s fan? Not so much. But he’d be a great fit for a young and upcoming team with boatloads of talent.
really would love to see how fla makes this work. I don’t want him to go there, but am more intrigued by seeing who is shipped out or what sudden long term injury comes up.
The Sharks would be foolish to acquire Panarin, He’s not needed, His extension would become a boat anchor before the ink is dry, And, San Jose desperately needs a better blueline, If Grier can improve the back end on, Or before the deadline, San Jose can make the playoffs this season.
I would much rather see Trocheck come to CAR. We never should have let him leave to begin with.
We should get both, the Canes can afford it, mega transaction .
Because Panarin is in full control and is looking for an extension, this leaves Carolina, Florida, LA, and San Jose.
I can’t see how Florida can accommodate his salary expectations. SJ needs to extend Celebrini and other youngsters soon which makes signing Panarin tricky. I doubt that Panarin would want to play a low-event, tight-checking game that the Kings are practicing under this coach.
This leaves Carolina as the only viable option. I don’t know if Panarin has any issues with Rod’s system.
Bottom line: in Panarin’s shoes, I would block any trade now and sign in the offseason when there are more options.
I agree. Unless he wants to push for a cup this year, wait until free agency opens and he has more options. Why take players and assets from the team you are going to, only to give them to the team you are leaving. Now if he wants to push for a cup this year, make a deal now and hope it works out.
Another talented player linked to the Redwings that will not happen. Redwings won’t part with assets to improve themselves. Yzerman likely adds more marginal players that won’t move the needle
Yzerman has done a great job of stock piling picks and young talent. He’s also shown patience and hasn’t overpaid from that prospect pool to acquire other players.
Now if you want to criticize his FA signings that’s a whole different story.
“FA” in Detroit stands for “Failed Athletes”
Sorry, just couldn’t resist. Back to the penalty box.