Overview
- The Athletic places Panarin atop New York’s potential trade chips and indicates the Rangers are expected to seek a first‑round pick, with the return hinging on teams he is willing to consider.
- A league source told The Athletic the Rangers have not approached Panarin about waiving, and management is still evaluating plans ahead of the March 6 deadline and the early‑February Olympic roster freeze.
- Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman has speculated on possible destinations including the Avalanche, Panthers, Wild and Capitals, emphasizing that acquiring him would take significant maneuvering.
- Any move must navigate Panarin’s full no‑movement clause and his $11.642 million cap hit, though his $8 million salary this season reduces the cash outlay.
- Panarin is a pending unrestricted free agent who continues to produce, while the Rangers’ poor results have intensified debate and opinion pieces urging a trade to avoid losing him for nothing.