Are the Edmonton Oilers and Artemi Panarin destined to be together?
While the Oilers are sitting pretty in the Western Conference, things could always be better. The only team ahead of them in the Pacific Division is the Vegas Golden Knights. The Colorado Avalanche, Minnesota Wild, and Dallas Stars rank higher than the Oilers in the Western Conference.
But that could all change with one acquisition. And if a recent report is to be believed, the aforementioned Panarin is open to playing in Alberta’s capital city. However, time is of the essence, as starting on February 4th, 2026, there will be a trade freeze until the 22nd. Adding to that, there is yet another report that the Oilers are pushing to complete a trade before the freeze.
Artemi Panarin Linked to the Edmonton Oilers
The Oilers have been linked to big names in the past. However, the New York Rangers star is the biggest name they have been connected to this season.
NHL insider David Pagnotta recently appeared on the Oilersnation Everyday to discuss the options for Panarin.
“I think Carolina’s very much in this,” Pagnotta said on the February 2nd, 2026 episode. “I think LA’s in this. What I heard over the weekend was very interesting: yes, he wants the extension. But, if the opportunity doesn’t really pop up…he wants to chase a Stanley Cup and he wants the extension.”
“I do believe that if there is an opportunity to chase a Stanley Cup as a pure rental, if no other options present themselves, I think Colorado, Dallas, and Edmonton would be the teams that he would consider.”
Pagnotta also mentioned the Florida Panthers, Detroit Red Wings, and Washington Capitals as being less-likely destinations for the Russian winger.
Could Panarin Re-Sign With the Oilers After a Trade?
Outside of the possibility of the Oilers being able to acquire Panarin, what would an extension look like?
For starters, the Russian is a lock to be a point-per-game player nearly every season. In 52 games this season, Panarin has recorded 57 points, 19 of which are goals.
Panarin is in the final year of a $81.5 million contract paying him $11.64 million per season.
According to The Fourth Period, Panarin is seeking a four-year, $11 million per season extension to go along with a trade. This report also reveals that the Utah Mammoth, San Jose Sharks, Carolina Hurricanes, and Anaheim Ducks also have interest in the star winger.
However, what the Oilers have that these other teams don’t is an ace in the hole: Stan Bowman.
The current Oilers GM has a unique angle in this situation; he was the original GM who brought Panarin to the Chicago Blackhawks and got him signed. This gives him a distinct advantage in any potential negotiations regarding a contract extension.
Andrew Mangiapane Going the Other Way?
Of course, the Oilers are also looking for a new home for Andrew Mangiapane. According to Pagnotta’s trade board, things haven’t worked out, and Bowman is looking to relocate the winger.
“The Oilers have been shopping Mangiapane,” he wrote on January 28, 2026. “This marriage just hasn’t worked out, and Edmonton GM Stan Bowman is trying to find him a new home, while also trying to acquire a forward to strengthen his roster.”
Clock Ticking on an Oilers Trade With Artemi Panarin?
The Oilers haven’t been afraid to make deals this season. In separate deals with the Mammoth, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Nashville Predators, they added Connor Ingram, Tristan Jarry, and Spencer Stastney.
Yet, the Oilers could make another move before players head off to the Olympics.
The 2 Mutts Podcast reported that a move could happen before the looming roster freeze.
“The Oilers are expected to make a few moves here, one or two trades could happen between tomorrow & Wednesday,” they wrote in a social media post on February 1st, 2026. “Some discussions of a trade happening as soon as tomorrow according to those around the organization. Some help is on the way for the Oilers though.”
While they didn’t connect the Oilers to the Rangers, they did connect them to another high-profile team that was having a disappointing campaign.
“Good thing for the Oilers is that they had great trade discussions with the Leafs over the last few days,” they wrote in an earlier post on January 31st, 2026. Considering that the Toronto Maple Leafs are seven points out of the final Eastern Conference Wild Card position, their considering a trade is not that surprising.
Whatever the deal looks like to acquire Panarin (or a Maple Leafs player), the Oilers have an advantage in securing the Russian’s services over the long haul.
Oilers Trade Rumors: Is Artemi Panarin an Option?