The trade market for New York Rangers star Artemi Panarin is heating up fast, and interest around the league continues to grow. With the Rangers making it clear they will not offer Panarin an extension, speculation surrounding his future has reached a fever pitch.
Now, according to NHL insiders, the list of teams circling the elite winger has expanded to a massive 14-team queue, with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Dallas Stars emerging as notable contenders.
Rangers’ Artemi Panarin Sweepstakes Gaining Momentum
New York has signaled a clear shift toward a retool rather than a full rebuild, and their veteran players are very much in play. The Rangers took their first step in that direction earlier this week by trading defenseman Carson Soucy to the New York Islanders, and Panarin appears to be next at the center of discussions.
NHL insider Kevin Weekes provided a glimpse into just how crowded the market has become. “Per sources, as of today, I’m told the following have expressed interest in Panarin; ANA, LA, SJ, VGK, DAL, UT, COL, MIN, SEA, TOR, CAR, WAS, TBL, NYI. More clubs will join, and importantly player has to approve any move first.”
Anaheim, Los Angeles, San Jose, Vegas, Dallas, Utah, Colorado, Minnesota, Seattle, Toronto, Carolina, Washington, Tampa Bay, and the Islanders have all shown interest in Panarin. He also noted that more teams could still enter the mix, though any deal ultimately requires the player’s approval.
That detail matters a lot. Panarin is in the final season of his seven-year, $81.5 million deal and owns a full no-movement clause, meaning he has total say over where, or even if, a trade happens.
He’s been kept out of recent action, including back-to-back losses to the Islanders, and is expected to stay sidelined until the Olympic break. Around the league, it’s seen as a precautionary move to protect him from injury as trade discussions heat up.
Even with the uncertainty, Panarin’s production hasn’t dipped. He’s posted 57 points in 52 games and remains one of the NHL’s most dangerous offensive threats.
What Would It Take To Land Panarin?
NHL analyst Elliotte Friedman shed light on what the Rangers may be looking for in return, pointing to last season’s Brock Nelson trade as a potential benchmark. “If you remember last year, Brock Nelson was traded from the Islanders to Colorado for Cal Ritchie, a first-round pick, and a conditional third…it sounds like that’s where the Rangers’ starting point is with Panarin,” Friedman said.
In that deal, the Islanders traded Brock Nelson and William Dufour to Colorado for Calum Ritchie, Oliver Kylington, a first-round pick in either 2026 or 2027, and a conditional third-round pick in 2028.
Whether any team is willing to pay a similar price, and whether Panarin would be willing to sign an extension, remains to be seen. For now, the Rangers’ star winger remains one of the most talked-about names on the NHL trade market.
