The Tampa Bay Lightning weren’t one of the first teams in the mix of trade rumors for New York Rangers star Artemi Panarin.

But as things approach crunch time for a potential deal, it appears the Lightning are very much in play.

And now, one hockey writer has given us an idea of what a trade might look like.

Elite Prospects senior director Cam Robinson posted on X to show the framework for a Lightning-Rangers swap.

MORE: How Connor McDavid is to the Oilers what Josh Allen is to the Bills

His suggestion would send Panarin to the Lightning for Oliver Bjorkstrand, Gage Goncalves, a 2028 first-round pick and “a couple” of second-round picks.

“Sunshine state,” Robinson writes. “Playoff bound. Russian stars. They check all the boxes.”

The tricky part to a Panarin trade for any acquiring team is that he’s also seeking a contract extension with his new squad rather than hit free agency at the end of this season.

Tampa Bay has a bit less cap wiggle room than some of the other teams involved in the rumors.

MORE: How Olympic roster freeze may create a second NHL trade deadline

Of course, the Rangers also want to maximize their return, so it’s a balancing act between Panarin’s desires (he has a no-move clause) and what New York wants.

The Lightning might just be able to thread the needle to keep both portions of this possibility happy. 

Panarin would certainly be a huge addition to Tampa Bay’s forward group, and it’ll be fascinating to see if the Lightning’s late push to land him can come through.

More NHL news: