Artemi Panarin’s future with the New York Rangers has quickly become one of the league’s hottest storylines. After Rangers general manager Chris Drury released a statement outlining the team’s plan to retool rather than fully rebuild, interest in the star winger quickly picked up across the league.
With no contract extension offered, Panarin has officially entered the rumor mill. And several Eastern Conference contenders are now being mentioned as potential suitors.
Eastern Conference Dark Horses Linked to Artemi Panarin
Panarin is in the final year of his seven-year, $81.5 million contract and holds a full no-movement clause, giving him complete control over his future. Last week, he was informed by the Rangers that an extension would not be coming. Drury also made it clear that if a trade becomes necessary, the organization is willing to work closely with Panarin and his agent to facilitate a move to a preferred destination.
That leverage significantly impacts what the Rangers could get in return. A point ESPN insider Emily Kaplan recently emphasized while discussing the situation.
“I think the biggest issue with Artemi Panarin is that… he has full control here,” Kaplan said. “He and his agent are really dictating things. It’s like, ‘I’m fine waiting out the year in New York, but if you really want to recoup some value, you’re getting me to my preferred destination, and you’re not going to have much control over the return.’”
Kaplan added that while Vegas is often that obvious landing spot, their recent move for Rasmus Andersson may take them out of the picture. Dallas, however, stands out because of its available cap space and the pressure to keep pace in a competitive Central Division. Minnesota was also highlighted as a team clearly pushing all its chips in this season.
What raised eyebrows, however, was Kaplan’s mention of less obvious Eastern Conference contenders. “Washington is a sneaky team for me,” Kaplan said. “San Jose is another sneaky team.”
The Capitals, in particular, stand out given the emotional and competitive context surrounding their season. Washington currently sits fifth in the Metropolitan Division with a 24-20-6 record, despite losing three straight games. They remain firmly in the playoff hunt, just three points out of an Eastern Conference wild-card spot.
Kaplan believes the motivation in Washington could go beyond pure roster construction. “They kind of preparing, this could be Alex Oveckin’s last season, let’s just make sure, that we go out with great playoff run and reward this group and see how far we can take this with Spencer Carbery,” she said.
Ovechkin, now 40, is in the final year of his five-year, $47.5 million contract during the 2025-26 season. And there’s growing speculation that the end may be near for the Capitals legend. Adding a player like Artemi Panarin could dramatically change the ceiling for Washington’s postseason hopes.
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For now, whether a “sneaky” Eastern Conference team ultimately pulls off a surprise move remains to be seen.
