New York Rangers Could Trade Artemi Panarin

As the New York Rangers continue the offseason, there has been a lot of trade speculation around the team. New York missed the playoffs last season, and the team has been trying to build itself back up.

The Rangers have a few veteran players on the roster who could help this squad, but many people still see New York as a tier below elite teams. This could lead New York to make some drastic moves across the roster.

Rangers Place Artemi Panarin on Trade Block?

NHL insider David Pagnotta hinted that the Rangers could look to deal star wing Artemi Panarin if the team were to get off to a slow start. If New York gets off to a slow start, the front office could look to move some of the key players.

"The guy I’m really curious about with the Rangers is Artemi Panarin. Final year of his deal. What’s going to happen with him? His future in the Big Apple, if they get off to a hot start, does that change their mindset in terms of trying to now add to this group to get back on track, and they rebound quickly after a disappointing, very, very disappointing season last year, as you said.

"Or if it’s status quo, do they start to get a head start on trade discussions involving Panarin, who also has no trade protection. But with the way that the team has obviously been going, and even with that owner wanting that team and his team to be consistently competitive, they’re going to have to take a look at that possibility," Pagnotta said.

With this news, it seems that New York could look very different throughout next season. Panarin has been a catalyst for this team for years, but due to his contract expiring, it does make sense for the front office to possibly move him.

Panarin is still a productive player, scoring 37 goals and 52 assists. The veteran can still provide a real boost to any team that would be interested in trading for him.

The Rangers have reportedly been looking toward next summer when star Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers can become a free agent. If the Rangers want to have a chance at McDavid, freeing up as much cap space as possible will need to be done.