The New York Rangers have likely identified their preferred partner in an upcoming trade involving Artemi Panarin. GM Chris Drury has made it clear that the club is retooling, and the superstar winger will soon be moved. As a result, Panarin has been shut down and almost certainly played his last game for the team.
As soon as he became available, Panarin instantly shot up to the top of most NHL trade boards. After all, the winger has proven to be more than a point per game player throughout his illustrious career. Even as New York has struggled throughout 2025-26, the veteran has still managed to record 57 points in 52 games.
To no one’s surprise, several teams have been linked with a blockbuster trade to acquire Panarin in recent days. In fact, recent reports claimed that as many as 14 clubs are interested in the star. While the Rangers are discussing a potential trade with several teams around the league, they likely have a preferred partner in mind.
Rangers beat writer Vince Mercogliano is now claiming that the San Jose Sharks and Washington Capitals would give New York the most attractive offer for Panarin. Both clubs have top prospect pools and draft picks to make Drury happy. Nevertheless, the Rangers almost certainly prefer to see their soon-to-be former star move out of the Eastern Conference.
Artemi Panarin Holds the Power in a Trade Away From the New York Rangers
GettyArtemi Panarin currently leads the New York Rangers in assists and points in the 2025-26 season.
According to ESPN, the Sharks have the best prospect pool in all of hockey. They currently have a plethora of highly-rated youngsters who are projected to become solid NHL players. If they wanted to grab Panarin, they could offer a mouthwatering proposal to Drury. There are, however, issues with a potential deal.
Panarin is likely not willing to sign a multi-year extension with San Jose. While on the rise, the Sharks are not expected to be true contenders for at least a few years. The Russian veteran is now 34 and almost certainly looking to win as soon as possible. This is where Washington could come in.
Although the Capitals are struggling this season, they have pieces in place to contend in the near future. Washington was also recently seen as a frontrunner for Panarin. Caps management could very well view the winger as an eventual replacement for Alexander Ovechkin. Nevertheless, it remains to be seen if Panarin views D.C. as his next permanent home.
Florida, Tampa Emerge as Player’s Preferred Destinations
Unfortunately for the Rangers, they do not have much power in the situation. Due to a clause in his contract, Panarin can essentially pick his next destination. As reported by Mercogliano, the Russian would likely prefer to play for either the Florida Panthers or Tampa Bay Lightning. The two Sunshine State teams would have to be financially creative to make a deal work, though.
Cam Robinson of Elite Prospects has mapped out what a deal between New York and Tampa could look like. According to Robinson, Tampa may send Oliver Bjorkstrand, Gage Goncalves, a 2028 first-round pick, and a couple of second-round selections to the Rangers. The hypothetical deal would help Tampa free up enough cap space.
Florida, likely Panarin’s preferred option, would have to get even more creative. NHL insider Elliotte Friedman claimed on his recent 32 Thoughts podcast that the Panthers could essentially bend the salary cap rules to make a deal work. Friedman suggested that Florida may shut down semi-injured players long-term to save money.
Ultimately, Panarin will have a significant say in where he plays next. The Rangers can only hope to get somewhere near full value for their best player. A deal with either Florida and Tampa may very well be the worst-case scenario for New York and its fans, though.
Rangers Likely Prefer to Trade Panarin to Specific Team