Washington Capitals Emerge as Front-Runners in Artemi Panarin Sweepstakes
As the NHL trade deadline approaches on March 6, the hockey world is abuzz with speculation surrounding New York Rangers star forward Artemi Panarin. Multiple reports confirm that the Washington Capitals are leading an aggressive charge to acquire the talented left winger, who finds himself at the center of a major roster shake-up for the struggling Rangers.
Rangers' Roster Overhaul Puts Panarin on Trading Block
The New York Rangers' disappointing season has forced management into significant changes. The team's decision to scratch Panarin during their 5-2 loss to the New York Islanders at UBS Arena on Thursday signals their readiness to move the high-profile player. With the Rangers languishing at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, their playoff hopes appear dim, making Panarin's departure increasingly likely.
Panarin will not participate in the Rangers' final two games before the NHL roster freeze for the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 begins on February 4, 2026. This development further fuels speculation about his imminent departure from the franchise.
Contract Demands and Trade Mechanics
According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, Panarin isn't merely seeking a trade—he's looking for a new team willing to commit to a substantial contract extension. The alternate captain reportedly demands a staggering $50 million extension, a figure that would significantly impact any acquiring team's salary cap structure.
Panarin holds considerable leverage in negotiations, possessing a full No-Movement Clause (NMC) in the final year of his seven-year, $81.5 million contract. The 34-year-old winger carries an average annual value of $11.64 million and has recorded 19 goals and 57 points through 52 games this season.
Multiple Teams Vying for Star Winger
NHL insider Kevin Weekes reports that as many as 14 teams have expressed interest in acquiring Panarin. The extensive list includes:
- Anaheim Ducks
- Los Angeles Kings
- San Jose Sharks
- Vegas Golden Knights
- Dallas Stars
- Utah Hockey Club
- Colorado Avalanche
- Minnesota Wild
- Seattle Kraken
- Toronto Maple Leafs
- Carolina Hurricanes
- Washington Capitals
- Tampa Bay Lightning
- New York Islanders
While Washington appears particularly determined in their pursuit, several other franchises remain in contention. The Los Angeles Kings, San Jose Sharks, Florida Panthers, Detroit Red Wings, and Carolina Hurricanes have all shown willingness to keep Panarin beyond the current campaign.
Cap Space Considerations and Deal Dynamics
The Carolina Hurricanes possess a notable advantage in negotiations due to their sufficient trade-deadline cap space, which could accommodate Panarin's substantial contract. However, the final mechanics of any potential deal will depend heavily on salary retention arrangements between the involved parties.
As the trade deadline draws nearer, all eyes remain fixed on Artemi Panarin's situation. The Washington Capitals' aggressive pursuit positions them as serious contenders, but with numerous teams in the mix and Panarin's significant contract demands, the final destination for the star winger remains uncertain in what promises to be one of the NHL's most closely watched transactions.
