The New York Rangers’ thoroughly underwhelming season has shown no signs of improvement, as the team continues to languish in seventh place in the competitive Metropolitan Division standings with 46 points. As the team struggles to turn the 2025-26 season around, trade rumors surrounding franchise cornerstone Artemi Panarin continue to grow unabated.
New York Rangers Icon Artemi Panarin Trade Speculation Gains Currency
Originally undrafted, Panarin has had a career that speaks for itself. Despite his veteran status, Panarin is spending more minutes on ice than ever before and has already accumulated 46 points over the 43 games he has played with the Rangers this season. The standout winger has shown no signs of slowing down, but his future in the league remains open for speculation.
Panarin is nearing the end of his seven-year, $81.5 million contract with the Rangers, but with no contract extension in place, the 34-year-old has plenty of doors open in front of him. Not long ago, Panarin was linked with the Rangers’ division rivals, the Carolina Hurricanes. Now, three other teams have emerged as potential suitors for the veteran winger.
According to an NHL source, the Colorado Avalanche, the Dallas Stars, and the Detroit Red Wings are other teams that could be interested in Panarin. “I heard his name out there leading into the Holiday Roster Freeze. The question is: Is there a team out there willing to take him on as a rental? I would think Colorado or Dallas could be interested. …maybe Detroit?” James Murphy of the RG Media reported, quoting the source.
It is worth noting that Panarin has a full no-movement clause; however, he is on the verge of becoming an unrestricted free agent, which further fuels trade speculation. Panarin’s refusal to offer the Rangers a hometown discount in the style of Anze Kopitar could effectively conclude the Rangers-Panarin association.
However, much of the season remains ahead of Panarin and the Rangers. According to Remy Mastey of The Hockey News, it is possible that a miracle happens and the Rangers reach a successful agreement with the team’s standout winger, retaining him. However, that would depend on whether the Rangers make the playoffs.
“Panarin’s future with the Rangers could very well be dedicated to whether or not the team remains in the playoff hunt by around the trade deadline. A Panarin trade is possible if the Rangers are teetering outside of the playoffs and decide to opt in the direction of a retool, trading some of their veterans in an effort to accumulate more draft picks and assets,” Mastey wrote, offering a thoughtful insight into the situation.
Right now, the team and Panarin have too much to do to salvage this season before indulging in the trade discourse. The team must act swiftly to improve its position in the standings.
