The New York Rangers find themselves in a tight spot heading into this season’s trade deadline. The club would like to retool, pulling off a massive shakeup if possible.
However, making that happen could be easier said than done. One particular player that stands out as a potential roadblock is impending UFA Artemi Panarin. While the Rangers would like to keep him, Panarin won’t come cheap. He’s been clear about wanting to get paid. So, the Rangers might be willing to trade him at the deadline.
The major sticking point is Panarin’s full no-trade clause. The Rangers can’t move the 34-year-old without his blessing. But one notable commentator believes Panarin could follow in the footsteps of current Florida Panthers forward Brad Marchand.
In a January 7 piece, Nick Kypreos of Sportsnet wrote the following:
“If the Rangers slide out much more and end up selling, Artemi Panarin is the player to watch. He has a no-movement clause and could quietly stay until it expires, but it would be in his interest to take a page out of Brad Marchand’s book and waive it to join a Stanley Cup contender.”
A Cup contender could certainly see Panarin as a potential fit, acquisition cost notwithstanding. But there’s another powerful reason why Panarin could be willing to waive his no-trade clause:
“By lifting his no-trade clause from Boston last season, and going on to win the Cup with Florida, Marchand put over $20 million in his pocket by raising his value. Panarin has to do the same thing if he sees himself as a $9-10 million player. He will not get that from the Rangers.”
Assuming Panarin could play a key role, like Marchand did, he could elevate his price tag.
Trading Panarin Won’t Be Easy for Rangers
Trading Panarin won’t be an easy proposition for the Rangers. While several teams could be in the mix, the biggest issue would be Panarin’s cap hit. His $11.6 million cap hit, even discounted somewhat at the deadline, would not be easy to fit in for cap-strapped contenders.
Then, there’s the acquisition cost. The Rangers won’t want to move Panarin for a seventh-round draft pick. The Rangers would like to get a roster player, or players, who could impact the team right away.
The prevailing chatter says the Rangers are willing to take money in, money out. So, that situation could make it easier for some teams to make the math work. But there’s zero chance the Rangers are willing to take on a toxic contract.
New York in Tight Spot
All told, the Rangers are in a tight spot. Saturday’s 10-2 debacle in Boston did little to help the club get back on track. If anything, the loss has accelerated the club’s descent into the depths of the Eastern Conference.
That’s why a major trade may not be far off. Whether it’s Panarin who leaves is another matter. But the Rangers may have run out of time this season. A move will have to come as the team cannot afford any more embarrassing displays like the one on Saturday.
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