New York Rangers Predicted To Trade Superstar Forward With One Eastern Conference Rival Showing Interest
Photo credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
One NHL insider has just recently revealed that he believes the New York Rangers will trade superstar forward Artemi Panarin this season as contract extension talks fail to progress.
After a very disappointing 2024-25 season which resulted in the Rangers to miss the playoffs, Chris Drury and the organization had to make some hard decisions over the offseason to ensure that the Rangers have a better season.
Unfortunately, that resulted in Chris Drury to trade away the Rangers longest-tenured player, Chris Kreider. However, according to NHL insider Matt Larkin of DailyFaceoff, he believes Drury is on the verge of making another hard decision.
New York Rangers To Trade Superstar Forward Artemin Panarin
One big question surrounding the New York Rangers during the 2025-26 season, is Artemi Panarin's future as he is in the final year of his seven-year, $81.5 million deal.
However, Matt Larkin of the Daily Faceoff believes Panarin doesn't have a future with the Rangers, as he thinks he will be traded:
«I think it's Artemi Panarin,» Larkin wrote of who will be the biggest name player traded this year. «The fit between him and the New York Rangers no longer makes sense long-term unless he takes a team-friendly discount, which I don't expect him to do. The Blueshirts are coming off a playoff miss. While Mike Sullivan is a great get behind the bench, their roster actively got worse over the summer.
«I envision New York missing the playoffs again, and GM Chris Drury could move 'The Bread Man' to a contender before the Trade Deadline as a rental for a nice haul of picks and/or prospects. Then the Rangers can prepare to spend big on the class of 2026 with more than $11 million of Panarin money coming off the books.»
«I envision New York missing the playoffs again, and GM Chris Drury could move 'The Bread Man' to a contender before the Trade Deadline as a rental for a nice haul of picks and/or prospects. Then the Rangers can prepare to spend big on the class of 2026 with more than $11 million of Panarin money coming off the books.»
Along with that another insider, James Mirtle of The Athletic, went on to reveal that one Eastern Conference Rival, the Florida Panthers have shown interest in Panarin if becomes available as they are dealing with several long-term injuries.
«After injuries to Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk, there are real doubts about the Panthers' ability to three-peat right now,» Mirtle wrote. «But Barkov's absence could open up as much as $10 million in cap room if he misses the whole year. More than enough for Bill Zito to get creative and land a big fish before the deadline. How about Artemi Panarin, if the Rangers' season goes sideways? Or even Sidney Crosby, should he decide to leave Pittsburgh? Whatever big name is available, expect Florida to be at the front of the line.»
Panarin being traded to the Panthers would a shocking move to say the lease, but it's certainly a possibility if the Rangers can't figure out a way to sign him.
Previously on NY Rangers Insider
