A conceptual visualization of New York Rangers forward Artemi Panarin in a Montreal Canadiens jersey. Recent reports have linked the superstar winger to the Habs, citing his previous connection with Jeff Gorton, though a potential trade faces significant financial hurdles.
The smoke is officially turning into fire. According to Stu Cowan of the Montreal Gazette, the Montreal Canadiens are not just bystanders in the Artemi Panarin sweepstakes—they are a team that “should and will” kick the tires on the New York Rangers superstar.
Why now? The connection is undeniable. It was current Habs President of Hockey Operations, Jeff Gorton, who originally signed Panarin to his massive deal in New York during his tenure as Rangers GM. Gorton knows exactly what “The Breadman” brings to a locker room and a power play. Cowan argues that despite Panarin’s age (34) and the Rangers’ steep asking price, the playmaking winger is the elite talent needed to finally cement the Canadiens’ top line.
But before fans order their Panarin jerseys, there is a massive financial hurdle that could derail the entire deal.
The $50 Million Ultimatum
The complication isn’t just the trade assets; it’s the contract. Panarin holds a full No-Movement Clause (NMC). Reports indicate that if he agrees to waive it for a move to Montreal, he isn’t looking for a rental situation. He is looking for a retirement contract.
Panarin reportedly seeks a contract extension valued at roughly $50 million before signing off on any trade. With his current deal expiring on July 1, he is looking to secure his financial future immediately. At 34 years old, Panarin is trying to hit a “contract home run.”
If the Canadiens agree to a 5-year extension, that is a $10 million AAV cap hit for a winger who will be 35 when the new deal kicks in. Even with the salary cap rising, committing $10 million annually to a player heading into his late 30s is a high-risk investment that could handicap the team’s ability to retain their younger core down the road.
The Cost of Business: The Projected Trade Package
If Gorton and GM Kent Hughes decide the window to win is now and that Panarin is the catalyst, they cannot offer scraps. The Rangers are looking to retool on the fly, not rebuild from scratch.
Based on our analysis of the market and the Rangers’ needs, here is the “Home Run” package Montreal would likely need to table:
2026 1st Round Pick: The Rangers will demand a premium asset.
Michael Hage (C): This is the painful part. The Rangers need high-end skill to replace Panarin long-term. Hage, tearing it up at the University of Michigan, fits the profile perfectly.
Josh Anderson: To make the $11.6M salary work, Montreal must send money back. Anderson provides the size New York covets.
The Habs aren’t alone in this race—the Carolina Hurricanes are also sniffing around. But with the Gorton connection, Montreal has the inside track, provided they have the stomach for the $50 million price tag.
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