As the Olympic roster freeze approaches and the March 6 NHL trade deadline follows, the Artemi Panarin sweepstakes are heating up. The New York Rangers star winger, 34, is in his final contract season and holds a full no-movement clause, giving him control over his next destination. Panarin has made it clear he wants a multi-year extension with any team that acquires him, but the latest reports suggest teams aren’t prepared to meet his $50 million ask. As a result, he might have to consider other options.
NHL insiders like Elliotte Friedman recently outlined which teams are willing to meet Panarin’s conditions. Washington, Los Angeles, San Jose, Florida, Detroit, and Carolina are reportedly open to offering an extension. Among these, the Capitals, Sharks, and Red Wings appear to be the most realistic options.
The Panthers remain an intriguing but complicated possibility due to salary-cap limitations. However, if they are willing to trade certain pieces, or Aleksander Barkov is not expected to return this season, a window opens up for them.
Meanwhile, teams such as Colorado, Dallas, and Anaheim remain interested but are not in a position to offer a long-term deal, effectively taking them out of the running—unless Panarin opts for a rental scenario.
Carolina seems interested either way, and they’re actively involved in a lot of big-name trades, Panarin being no different.
Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Lightning have emerged as a quiet but plausible contender. They were listed some time ago as a team with potential interest. That talk sort of disappeared. It’s back now.
Other teams in the conversation include the Los Angeles Kings, who seek offensive firepower amid long-term uncertainty, and the Stars, who could re-enter talks if their focus shifts away from Jason Robertson. The Edmonton Oilers, who might be a team Panarin would go to as a rental on a Cup run.
Who Is Panarin Going to Help This Season?
Panarin, currently tallying 57 points in 52 games this season, brings elite scoring, playmaking, and versatility. Given his preference for a long-term deal and a chance at a Stanley Cup, the final decision may hinge on which club can meet his extension demands while presenting a realistic championship window.
If no option exists that he likes, he’ll either stay put or choose a contender on a rental who can fit his cap hit.
For now, the Rangers are working the phones, trying to maximize return before Wednesday’s unofficial deadline. Whether he lands in San Jose, Anaheim, Carolina, Tampa Bay, Washington, or another team willing to meet his terms, Panarin’s trade will reshape the NHL’s contending landscape as the deadline approaches.
Next: Oilers Seeking Top-9 Forward, But Struggling with Trade Direction
