Jan. 16, 2026, 3:31 p.m. ET
An end of era is about to come to the New York Rangers. With a letter coming to fans from general manager Chris Drury informing them that a “retool” was coming, die-hards know that deals are in the near future with the Olympic break and trade deadline approaching.
That’s going to include superstar Artemi Panarin, who will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. Reports say he won’t get an extension, which will all but guarantee he’ll be traded.
But to where? Let’s review some landing spots for the veteran who can score from anywhere on the ice and who could help a contender win a Stanley Cup (keep in mind he’s got a full no-movement clause):
Colorado Avalanche
Hey, if you’re the best team in the NHL and you want to shore up your chances to win a Stanley Cup, you go and get the biggest name on the market. It’s just that simple. Even if you’re making a trade without a guarantee of an extension, it’s an all-in move to win it all.
They keep falling short in the Eastern Conference and they need more scoring. Makes sense all around.
Washington Capitals
Hey, that would be fun. He and Alex Ovechkin could try to make a Cup run together, and then Ovi might retire and Panarin signs to stay in Washington.
Hmmmmm. The Sabres are suddenly awesome, and they’ve got some young prospects to deal if they want to make a rare playoff run. Wild!
Another young team moving into contention. Panarin helps them make the leap.
Their offense is pretty rough. But adding a name like Panarin could help all the pieces fall into place.