Rangers Trade Idea Sends Panarin to Division Rival

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The New York Rangers could be getting an enticing offer from a division rival for impending UFA Artemi Panarin in this trade idea.

The New York Rangers most-talked about trade chip is impending UFA Artemi Panarin. The club has been public about not offering Panarin an extension for next season and beyond. As such, the chatter surrounding the Blueshirts is that they will trade Panarin. The chatter, most importantly, also focuses on where the Russian star will land.

One of the teams in question is division rival, the Washington Capitals. As Vincent Mercogliano and Peter Baugh noted in The Athletic, the Capitals have the pieces and the cap space to make it work.

Additionally, Capitals GM Chris Patrick has been open about landing another high-end winger. That’s almost a direct poke at the Rangers and their situation with Panarin.

That being said, there’s no reason why the Rangers couldn’t trade Panarin to a division rival like the Capitals. If the price is right, GM Chris Drury should consider pulling the trigger.

So, here’s what a potential trade could look like:

Rangers get:

2026 first-round pick

2027 second-round pick

Hendrix Lapierre, F

Declan Chisholm, D

Capitals get:

Artemi Panarin, F

The four pieces for Panarin are not a bad return for the Rangers. It’s worth pointing out that the Capitals have the cap space to add Panarin’s salary without a major issue.

For the Rangers, the return lands two high-round draft picks. As it stands, Tankathon shows the Capitals picking 11^th overall in the first round. That can change, of course, especially if the Capitals get back into the playoff race.

The 2027 second-rounder would be a nice piece to have. It could serve as a trade chip down the line. Otherwise, the Rangers can just use it and help restock their prospect cupboard.

Rangers Get Solid Prospects Back

As for the two players the Rangers get back, they could turn out to be worthwhile gambles. Hendrix Lapierre has been a decent bottom-six center for the Capitals. He’s currently riding the fourth line. But he might show some middle-six potential with a decent shot.

Then, there’s blueliner Declan Chisholm. He’s been riding on the third-pairing with Rasmus Sandin. He’s been a decent defender, offering some upside despite being a healthy scratch at times.

These two players may seem somewhat underwhelming, but they’re pieces that could help the Rangers compete now, as opposed to being complete futures.

Blueshirts May Ask for Capitals’ Top Prospects

There’s also the possibility that the Rangers may insist on the Capitals including one of their top prospects. For instance, instead of taking on Chisholm, Drury could push for Cole Hutson. Hutson looks to be in the same ballpark as his brother Lane. That would be a fantastic addition to the Rangers’ blueline.

Similarly, the Rangers could pass on someone like Lapierre and push for prospect Ryan Leonard. Leonard’s name has come up in discussions as plenty of teams have coveted the right winger. The Caps have said they won’t part with him.

But it’s not every day that the Capitals would have the chance to add someone like Panarin. So, sending Leonard and Chisholm, along with the two draft picks, could get the deal across the finish line.