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Artemi Panarin, New York Rangers (Jess Starr/The Hockey Writers)

Trade Talk Intensifies: Rangers Pull Panarin Until Olympic Freeze

Originally posted on The Hockey Writers | By Jim Parsons | Last updated Jan 29, 2026 1:55 PM ET

The Artemi Panarin era in New York appears to be over. Reports surfaced on Wednesday that the organization was holding their star out of the lineup for roster reasons, with many assuming the team was actively working on a trade and protecting Panarin from a potential injury that could complicate their ability to finalize a deal.

Further updates indicate that the Rangers will hold Panarin out of the lineup until the Feb. 4 Olympic roster freeze, and all signs point to Panarin having already played his final game in a Rangers uniform.

Panarin Trade A Priority for the Rangers

Having started their process of retooling the roster, according to ESPN’s Emily Kaplan, the Rangers are expected to keep Panarin sidelined through the break while general manager Chris Drury works to finalize a deal.

One major wrinkle in the situation is Panarin’s contract status. The 34-year-old is a pending unrestricted free agent, but TSN’s Chris Johnston reports that Panarin is seeking a contract extension as part of any trade approval. In other words, he’s not looking to be moved simply as a rental.

That changes quite a bit when it comes to the teams that might take a run.

Teams Already Backing Away from a Panarin Trade?

Teams interested in Panarin will need to be comfortable not only paying a steep trade price but also committing long-term money—likely for four years at around $10 or $11 million per season.

Pierre LeBrun notes that some teams believed to be in the hunt are backing away. Drury was reportedly aiming for a return comparable to what the Islanders received for Brock Nelson last season: a first-round pick, additional picks, and a top prospect. With an extension in place, that price might change.

The trade ask is one thing. The fact that teams are being told they need to commit money and term to the trade is another.

Several clubs have been linked to Panarin, including the Carolina Hurricanes, Washington Capitals, San Jose Sharks, Los Angeles Kings, and Anaheim Ducks. San Jose has also emerged as a surprise contender, with Sheng Peng reporting that the Sharks have inquired about Panarin and that the winger would be willing to sign an extension there. However, LeBrun doesn’t believe the Sharks are frontrunners.

LeBrun also believes Anaheim is out. The Ducks have too many young core players to re-sign, and an expensive long-term extension for Panarin doesn’t fit their timeline.

The Los Angeles Kings have also been mentioned, but it sounds like they’re sitting on the outside, more watching how all of this unfolds over the next several days.

Where Does Panarin Want to Go?

It has been said that Panarin’s ideal landing spot would be the Florida Panthers. They aren’t reportedly in the mix, and with Aleksander Barkov looking like a possible return candidate this season, it’s hard to imagine how the Panthers make room.

Panarin might like the Sharks, but it’s unclear how much the Sharks want to prioritize him. At this point, that situation remains fluid.

Still, one thing feels certain: Artemi Panarin’s time as a Ranger is ending, and the franchise is working the phones and talking to several GMs in an attempt to gauge their interest.