Maple Leafs Have a Golden Opportunity to Land One of the NHL’s Elite Scorers


Oct 23, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers left wing Artemi Panarin (10) at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Photo credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

According to NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman, New York Rangers forward Artemi Panarin is wanting to get paid, and Toronto is in the perfect chance to do so next year.It’s no secret, the Toronto Maple Leafs are missing the presence of Mitch Marner. Whether it be due to his offensive prowess, elite defensive nature or the fact that without him, Auston Matthews looks lifeless.Whatever the situation, the team needs to bring in someone who can really impact the top-six and give them that Marner type player. Their success by committee hasn’t worked as well as they had hoped, and the team is looking for answers.

Artemi Panarin’s Contract Demands May Lead Him Elsewhere

According to NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman, they may have found theirs in the Big Apple.

Panarin is going to go for the biggest deal he can get.

While he wasn’t specific, Friedman noting that Panarin wants his big means any team is going to fork out a lot for an aging veteran.

The 34-year-old Panarin signed a mega-deal in 2019 with the Rangers for a staggering $11.64-million per season. While he’s been outstanding with the team in the regular season, his playoff acumen hasn’t been great.

Why This Could Be the Moment Brad Treliving Makes His Biggest Move Yet

But what if the Maple Leafs were to swoop in and take over? The team only has a couple deals in Scott Laughton and Bobby McMann to worry about, but they aren’t breaking the bank.If Panarin wants a five-year deal worth $13.5-million, that would give Toronto at minimum $5.5-million to work with, and if they can get rid of David Kampf and Nick Robertson, that’s another $4-million to play with.

For all the talk about changing the identity, bringing in a player of Panarin’s caliber would certainly do so, though there is always a potential for backlash given his reputation.

But for a team needing to win, and needing to bring in someone who can truly shake up the lineup, going after Artemi Panarin and offering him a big pay day could be just the boost Toronto needs to get past their playoff issues.

Previously on Hockey Patrol

POLL

1 HOUR AGO   |   84 ANSWERS

Maple Leafs Have a Golden Opportunity to Land One of the NHL’s Elite Scorers

Should Toronto try and pursue Artemi Panarin from the New York Rangers?

HOCKEYPATROL.COM
COPYRIGHT @2025 – ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
TERMS  –  POLICIES