The Carolina Hurricanes are basking in the glory of leading the Metropolitan Division with 49 points. The Canes were burdened by a three-game losing streak when they emerged from the holiday break, hell bent on seeking redemption. The Hurricanes snatched a 5-2 victory from Atlantic Division forerunners, the Detroit Red Wings.
Moreover, in an exciting turn of events, the Metropolitan Division team could be interested in a standout forward who plays for a division rival, the New York Rangers.
The Carolina Hurricanes Floated as a Potential Destination for the New York Rangers’ Artemi Panarin
The Hurricanes are precisely where they want to be right now. In a recent contribution to The Athletic, Dom Luszczyszyn estimated the Hurricanes’ playoff chances to around 97%. Moreover, the team also has a 15% chance of making the Stanley Cup Finals and around a 6% chance of winning the Cup.
As the Hurricanes prepare to meet the Rangers on Dec. 29 at the Lenovo Center, Sportsnet’s Ryan Dixon has shared a fascinating insight that involves both teams. Artemi Panarin, who has been playing with the Rangers with no contract extension signed, could be on the Hurricanes’ radar next year.
Panarin is nearing the end of his seven-year, $81.5 million contract with the Rangers. Panarin does not have a contract extension to stay in New York. The standout winger offered the Rangers no hometown discount, and the deal fell through because of financial reasons.
Panarin has been in a similar situation before, having played an entire season for the Columbus Blue Jackets without signing an extension. The 34-year-old is approaching a similar uncertain period in his career.
However, there is a chance that the Hurricanes seize the first opportunity as soon as the veteran winger becomes an unrestricted free agent, offering him a contract with an average annual value of $66 million. “The Carolina Hurricanes will ink UFA Artemi Panarin to a six-year, $66-million pact on July 2,” Dixon wrote for Sportsnet.Â
Despite the uncertainty that shrouds his future, Panarin does not let it get to him. The 34-year-old’s priority remains playing the best hockey he can. “Honestly, in the beginning of the year, it was difficult for me. Now I just forget about that and just play hockey,” Panarin said, as reported by The Hockey News’ Remy Mastey.
The standout winger has accumulated 38 points in 39 games with the Rangers so far this season, notwithstanding his slow start. Even at his age, the veteran remains an enduring presence. “He has the ability to drive offense. He’s a difference maker,” said Rangers HC Mike Sullivan about Panarin.
Notwithstanding the many questions that surround his future, the 34-year-old has secured his place in NHL history through his unparalleled contributions to the sport.
