NHL Rumors: Minnesota Wild Linked To Artemi Panarin

New York Rangers forward Artemi Panarin plays the puck during 2025 game.

With Kirill Kaprizov locked up on his eight-year mega-extension, the Minnesota Wild are being positioned as buyers, and one name already circling them is Artemi Panarin.

On 32 Thoughts, Elliotte Friedman relayed that GM Bill Guerin told Kaprizov the club will keep adding, and noted a rival executive wondered if Minnesota would target Panarin should he reach free agency. The connection isn’t random: Kaprizov and Panarin share agent Paul Theofanous, and Minnesota’s cap map beyond this season gives Guerin some maneuverability to chase elite scoring help.

Friedman on 32TP says Guerin told Kaprizov that despite his huge contract they will still add, a manager told Friedman he wonders if the Wild will target Panarin if he doesn't re-sign in New York, both Panarin and Kaprizov have the same agent (Paul Theofanous).
— NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) October 3, 2025

Wild linked to Artemi Panarin by insider Elliotte Friedman

The New York Rangers aren’t racing to extend the 33-year-old winger, and a hard push for a superstar like Kaprizov down the road could complicate New York’s ability to carry multiple mega deals.

Panarin remains a top-tier producer (still a point-per-game threat and power-play driver), and pairing him with Kaprizov would recreate a Kane-Panarin-style dynamic that instantly elevates Minnesota’s top line. For the Wild, adding a premier playmaker alongside Kaprizov during his prime would show a full-throttle window to contend.

Artemi Panarin last season:

80 games played
— 37g | 52a | 89pts
— 55 points at 5v5 (5th in NHL)
— 2.48 pre-shot passes/game (6th in NHL)
— 4.9 Wins Above Replacement (7th in NHL)

How is he not a consensus top-20 player in hockey? pic.twitter.com/oHCyXt24JE
— Big Head Hockey (@BigHeadHcky) September 12, 2025