The latest development in the Artemi Panarin sweepstakes is a nightmare for the rest of the NHL: his preferred landing spot is the back-to-back Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers.
How could the Panthers possibly swoop in and land another star on the trade market? It would be an extremely difficult task given their salary-cap constraints, but if there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s never to count out GM Bill Zito. There is a path to pulling this off — though it would require sacrificing multiple key pieces from their championship teams.
Wherever Panarin winds up, he’s made it clear he wants an extension, which will likely play a major role in determining his next destination. Florida is said to be among the teams willing to extend the superstar winger, though that would require clearing space for what is expected to be an AAV close to his current $11.6 million.
As a result, many around the league are trying to connect the dots on who Zito would have to move out to make it work. The name that stands out most is Carter Verhaeghe ($7 million), potentially alongside a smaller contract such as Evan Rodrigues ($3 million).
The 30-year-old Verhaeghe is in just the first year of the eight-year, $56 million extension he signed with the Panthers in 2024, while Rodrigues, 32, is in the third season of the four-year, $12 million deal he signed to come to Florida as a UFA in 2023.
Both are in the midst of solid seasons, having tallied 41 points (16 goals, 25 assists) and 24 points (nine goals, 15 assists) across 53 and 54 games, respectively.
Is the Juice Worth the Squeeze for the Panthers?
There’s no doubt that acquiring Panarin would be costly and involve a significant shake-up, including moving a core piece of the roster. Not to mention, Zito would certainly need to add draft capital and/or prospects on top of that to meet Rangers GM Chris Drury’s asking price. So, is it worth it for a 34-year-old Panarin?