There is no question that the New York Rangers will trade Artemi Panarin at this point. However, some questions do remain in the air. These questions have to deal with Panarin’s potential destinations, and, most importantly, the asking price for the 34-year-old star.
While some pundits may believe the asking price is high, a notable insider claims the price is not quite as stratospheric.
During the January 24 edition of Saturday Headlines, insider Elliotte Friedman stated the asking price the Rangers have in mind for Panarin. In particular, Friedman noted the Blueshirts are using the New York Islanders trade of Brock Nelson last season as a comparable for this year’s Panarin deal.
The Islanders faced a similar situation last season with Nelson. While they were much closer to re-signing him than the Rangers are with Panarin, the club shipped the then-impending UFA to the Colorado Avalanche.
In return, the Islanders got the Avalanche’s top prospect, a first-round pick, and a third-round pick. That’s the price that Friedman believes the Rangers have set on Panarin. The Islanders also took back a depth defenseman on an expiring contract to make the math work for the Avalanche. The Isles put that defenseman on waivers, ending his ties to the team.
Given the Rangers’ circumstances, it seems that asking for a top prospect, a first-rounder, and another mid-round pick would be doable for most teams. The Blueshirts won’t likely budge from that price, especially if there’s salary retention involved.
Panarin Holds the Cards in Trade Negotiations
The biggest issue here is that Panarin holds all the cards in trade negotiations. The Russian star has a full no-trade clause. So, he has total control over his destination.
Moreover, the team acquiring Panarin may want to figure out an extension with Panarin ahead of time. That’s likely going to be a major issue for whomever wants to land The Breadman. The Rangers can’t really guarantee that much. The best New York could do is allow interested parties to speak with Panarin’s camp to see if an extension may be possible.
A good example would be last year’s Mikko Rantanen trade. When the Dallas Stars acquired Rantanen from the Carolina Hurricanes, the deal came with an extension in place. As such, this year’s Panarin trade could be contingent on such a situation.
Rangers May Have to Retain Money
The other issue that will likely be a major issue is salary retention. Panarin’s $11.6 million cap hit is down to about half of that right now. If the acquiring party asks the Rangers to retain salary, that situation could keep the price high.
In contrast, if the Rangers don’t retain any money, there may be some leeway. The Blueshirts won’t likely budge from the ask of a first-round pick and a prospect. However, that prospect may not be the other team’s top one. Plus, the other pick may not be quite as high. Perhaps the Rangers may settle on a lower pick, like a fourth or fifth-round pick.
Ultimately, there are several variables still up in the air. Those variables will sort themselves out depending on the teams serious acquiring Panarin.
Rangers Price for Panarin Revealed, Insider Claims