NHL Trade Rumors: Insider Links Artemi Panarin To Two Playoff Contenders

Friday, November 21, 2025 , ,
New York Rangers forward Artemi Panarin reacts during 2025 game.

Artemi Panarin sits at the center of the 2026 UFA drama, and it might not end with him walking straight to July 1. 

With the New York Rangers unwilling to keep his $11.6 million cap hit rolling into his late 30s and Panarin reportedly uninterested in a pay cut, the door is wide open for a blockbuster. 

If the Rangers slip in the standings before the March 6 trade deadline, they’re expected to at least explore asking him to waive his no-move clause. That’s where Sportsnet insider Nick Kypreos comes in, linking the Carolina Hurricanes and Minnesota Wild as two clubs keeping a close eye on the Breadman’s future.

Hurricanes Eye Panarin

For Carolina, Panarin fits their long-running trend of swinging big on elite talent. They’ve already dabbled in that market with names like Mikko Rantanen and Mitch Marner, and Kypreos suggests they’d be “in” again if Panarin shakes loose. 

The Canes are firmly in win-now mode, and adding a still-dangerous playmaker on the wing would juice a lineup built on relentless puck pressure and shot volume. If the price drops or the Rangers retain salary, it’s easy to imagine Carolina treating Panarin as the final push for a deep spring run.

Would the Wild Really Pay for Panarin Now?

The Minnesota Wild are the other team Kypreos has tied to Panarin, and on paper the fit is obvious. He could slide onto their second line at left wing and instantly become one of the most dangerous offensive weapons in the lineup. 

However, some around the team see little sense in shipping out premium assets for a 34-year-old winger when they could simply wait and chase him in free agency on July 1. 

Others question whether an aging, high-priced scorer aligns with their long-term path to becoming a true Stanley Cup contender. Layer in the chatter that Panarin might even consider returning to Russia after this deal, and Minnesota has to be absolutely sure before they ante up.

For now, Panarin remains the top name on the 2026 UFA board, and the Rangers still control how this story plays out.

Photo Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images

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