VANCOUVER — The Sharks certainly aren’t acting like they’re in a rebuild anymore.
San Jose Hockey Now has learned that the Sharks have inquired about pending UFA winger Artemi Panarin — and that the New York Rangers star would be willing to sign an extension with San Jose.
Panarin, already told by the Rangers that they would not be re-signing him, was pulled from the New York lineup Wednesday night for roster management purposes, meaning that they’re protecting him from injury for the purposes of a trade. He’s not expected to play again, at least for the Blueshirts, before the Olympic break.
Panarin has a No-Movement Clause in his current contract, but according to Chris Johnston, an extension could get him to waive it in a trade.
However, this doesn’t mean that a Panarin trade to the Sharks is close.
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