Overview
- The Rangers have held Artemi Panarin out of the lineup while exploring trades as part of their declared retool.
- An Olympic roster freeze begins Wednesday at 3 p.m. ET and runs through Feb. 22, compressing the timeline for a deal.
- Reporting indicates Panarin wants a multi‑year extension totaling about $50 million, with figures discussed around $11–12.5 million annually depending on term.
- Florida and Tampa Bay are described as destinations Panarin favors if an extension can be arranged, while the Capitals are making a “really serious run” and the Kings and Hurricanes are seen as well positioned on cap space.
- The Sharks and Capitals are cited as clubs with attractive assets for New York, whereas the Ducks, Avalanche, and Stars are viewed as rental‑only suitors, and any trade could require salary retention to navigate cap limits.