Artemi Panarin’s number one trade destination has just been leaked: One major roadblock stands in th
NY Hockey Insider has no direct affiliation to the New York Rangers, NHL or NHLPA
Photo credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
According to NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman, Artemi Panarin wants to go to the Florida Panthers, but one major roadblock stands in the way of a deal getting done.
Just moments ago, Elliotte Friedman confirmed that Panarin’s first choice is Florida, then immediately added he isn’t sure it’s remotely possible, and honestly, you get it. Florida is a win-now room, a place where stars chase rings without needing to be the whole story.
Elliotte Friedman: Re Artemi Panarin: I think his first choice is Florida, I don’t even know if that’s remotely possible – FAN Hockey Show (1/29)
So “Panarin to the Panthers” becomes a puzzle. It’s retention, money out, and probably a third team taking a bite to make the numbers work.
Artemi Panarin and Florida Panthers cap math collide
If Florida is truly Panarin’s top choice, it also changes the Rangers’ leverage. New York needs more than one viable bidder, not just one dream fit.
Panarin’s no-movement clause is the guardrail here. The Rangers can negotiate all they want, but the final lane still has to be a lane he approves.
That’s why the extension angle matters so much. Teams will do cap gymnastics if they believe they’re getting Panarin for more than a handful of games. On the ice, he’s still producing at a star level, with 57 points in 57 games, which is why this isn’t a “move a passenger” situation.
Now it comes down to reality versus want. Florida might be the first choice, but the Rangers need a deal that can actually be registered without tearing three rosters apart.
Previously on NY Hockey Insider
POLL
7 HOURS AGO|83 ANSWERS
Artemi Panarin’s number one trade destination has just been leaked: One major roadblock stands in the way
Do you think Artemi Panarin will end up with the Florida Panthers despite their cap situation?