Artemi Panarin will not play for the New York Rangers in their last two games before the NHL roster freeze (Image via Getty Images) As the trade buzz around Rangers star Artemi Panarin has been brewing continuously, it has been reported that the Washington Capitals are aggressively trying to acquire the left winger. The New York Rangers are going through a significant roster shake-up due to their poor performance this season. The team has decided to move the high-profile player, and they have apparently decided to scratch star forward Artemi Panarin in a 5-2 loss to the New York Islanders at UBS Arena on Thursday. As per reports, Panarin will not play for the New York Rangers in their last two games before the NHL roster freeze for the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, which begins on Feb. 4, 2026. Unfortunately, the Rangers are sitting at the bottom of the Eastern Conference with very limited possibilities to be back in form. Meanwhile, it has come to light that the alternate captain of the club is reportedly demanding a staggering amount of $50 million contract extension, as reported by NHL insider Elliotte Friedman.
Washington Capitals pursuing to acquire New York Rangers star Artemi Panarin with an extension in sight
As many as 14 teams in total have expressed interest in acquiring New York Rangers winger Artemi Panarin, who will be traded this season. It seems the Washington Capitals are aggressively pursuing acquiring the Rangers star in their club ahead of the March 6 trade deadline.According to NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman, “He isn’t just looking for a trade—he wants a new home willing to sign him to a massive contract extension. At 34 years old, Panarin is in the final year of his deal ($11.64M AAV) and holds all the cards with a full No-Movement Clause (NMC).”
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Friedman also reported that the Washington Capitals are emerging as a serious contender, who have also decided to meet Panarin’s extension demands. Besides, Capitals, other teams that are also in the run and are willing to keep Panarin beyond this campaign are the Los Angeles Kings, San Jose Sharks, Florida Panthers, Detroit Red Wings, and the Carolina Hurricanes.Carolina has an added advantage due to their sufficient trade-deadline cap space to absorb Panarin’s contract. However, the mechanics of the deal depend entirely on salary retention. Besides, Artemi Panarin is in the final year of his seven-year, $81.5 million contract, with $11.64 million in average annual value. He has played 52 games this season for the Rangers, recording a score of 19 goals and 57 points.