The Dallas Stars have been having a rough January campaign, but have continued to dominate the upper rungs of the formidable Central Division with 67 points. Last year, the Stars acquired Mikko Rantanen from the Carolina Hurricanes, signing him to a long-term contract, and the rest is history. What are the odds that Texas Hockey pulls off a similar feat this year as well?
The trade candidate? A veteran winger whose name has dominated trade rumors lately.
Insider Sheds Light on a Potential Dallas Stars Move for Artemi Panarin
If there is one name any hockey fan should scrupulously follow for updates, then that would undoubtedly be the New York Rangers’ Artemi Panarin. The Rangers have categorically stated that a contract extension is unlikely, and it’s sufficiently clear that Panarin’s time with the Broadway Blueshirts has run its course.
Interest in the Rangers’ leading scorer of the season is expected to be widespread despite the deterring cap hit, and Elliotte Friedman has provided a realistic assessment of a potential Stars-Panarin partnership.
According to Friedman, the Stars are one team the veteran winger could be interested in joining as a rental. “I think there are some teams he would potentially go as a rental to. Like one of the teams I have heard he might be interested in as a rental potentially is Dallas.”
There is an essential factor to consider when discussing the Stars’ move to secure Panarin for the long term: the team’s approach to the Jason Robertson question. “…and I think that, you know, the thing about Dallas is their ability to do anything with term probably depends on their decision with Jason Robertson, right?” Friedman explained during a recent episode of the “32 Thoughts” podcast.Â
Relatedly, Robertson has changed agents, and there is some hope the Stars can see the end of this sooner than expected. Moreover, the Pittsburgh Penguins, a team that has far exceeded expectations this season, currently sit in second place in the Metropolitan Division, behind the Carolina Hurricanes. The Penguins are stacked to the top with veteran superstars, but pine for young power.
If the Stars are willing to part ways with Robertson, who is in the final year of his four-year, $31 million contract with Dallas, then Kyle Dubas can be expected to participate in those conversations with the Dallas front office heartily.
Despite his veteran status, Panarin has, on several occasions, been the light at the end of the tunnel for a disillusioned Rangers this season. His plump contract is worth $81.5 million and can emerge as a serious deterrent for suitors, but notwithstanding that, the 34-year-old has time and again lived up to his reputation as an elite playmaker in the NHL.
