The New York Rangers are heading into the 2026 NHL trade deadline watch as one of the league’s most notable sellers. With GM Chris Drury being transparent about the team being in a retool, several of their players have come up in the rumor mill. Yet, the most notable of the bunch is undoubtedly star winger Artemi Panarin.
The Rangers have informed Panarin that they do not plan to sign him to a contract extension. With this, the pending unrestricted free agent (UFA) is arguably the top trade candidate on the market right now.
Now, the Rangers’ asking price for Panarin has been revealed.
During the latest episode of Saturday Headlines, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman shared that the Rangers’ starting point in a potential deal centering around Panarin is what the New York Islanders got back for Brock Nelson last season.
“If you’ll remember last year, Brock Nelson was traded to the Islanders to Colorado. The trade was for Cal Ritchie, a first-rounder, and a conditional third. There were other players involved, but those were the key pieces, and it sounds like that’s where the Rangers’ starting point is with Panarin right now.”
Teams Interested In Rangers’ Panarin
After revealing the Rangers’ asking price for Panarin, Friedman also shared that multiple teams are interested in Panarin right now. According to Friedman, the Anaheim Ducks, Los Angeles Kings, and Washington Capitals are three teams that are in the mix for the Rangers star.
The Ducks being interested in Panarin makes a lot of sense. They could use another legitimate star forward as they look to get back into the playoffs for the first time since 2018.
The Kings having their eye on Panarin is also understandable. When looking at their current roster, it is apparent that they need a true star forward. Bringing in a veteran like Panarin would provide them with just that.
As for the Capitals, they would certainly make for a fascinating landing spot for Panarin. His playmaking skills could make him a fantastic linemate for Alex Ovechkin.
