2 NY Rangers Linked to San Jose Sharks

The New York Rangers are open for business, as we know. There aren't many players on the roster who they won't be listening on, though five have no-move clauses, and we already know of two Blueshirts who will not be open to waiving those. 

The San Jose Sharks, meanwhile, are a team heading in the other direction. Their ascension up the standings this season has them battling for a playoff spot, and they could be looking to supercharge it with a couple of additions from the Rangers. 

At least that's what a couple of different reports suggest. 

The blueline is a priority for San Jose moving forward, as they are open to buying & selling. They’re listening on all their pending UFA dmen, while also searching for young NHL caliber talent. Believe there’s interest in #NYR D Braden Schneider, for example. #TheFutureIsTeal

— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) January 21, 2026

Insider David Pagnotta tells us that the Sharks will be both buying and selling. And while they're open to dealing pending UFA defensemen like Mario Ferraro, John Klingberg, Timothy Liljegren and Vincent Desharnais, they will be looking for "young NHL caliber talent" in return. The insider believes the Sharks have interest in young Rangers d-man Braden Schneider. 

The 24-year-old is set to become an RFA this summer, and while he's had an expanded role, playing a career-high 20 minutes a night, the former first-rounder has had a mixed season, with disappointing results on the offensive side of the puck, with just 10 points in 51 games. He also has a plus/minus rating of -14, by far the worst of his five-year career. His name has been on the rumor mill.

Artemi Panarin a target for the Sharks?

But that's small potatoes to the rumor that entered the ether this week, as insider Elliotte Friedman suggested on his 32 Thoughts podcast that the more he's thought about it, the more he feels the Sharks would be a great destination for Panarin.

"I love the idea. Panarin right shot, (Macklin) Celebrini left shot. Imagine those guys playing together... You just talk about fun combinations, something we'd all like to see, Celebrini-Panarin could be an incredible duo."

The insider adds that Rangers GM Chris Drury and his Sharks counterpart Mike Grier have a history of doing deals, and have a longtime relationship, adding a bit more juice to this rumor.  

Friedman admits he has no particular intel on whether The Bread Man would be open to the idea, but certainly there are a lot of players in the league who would love to be playing with the breakout superstar Celebrini right now, and for the next few years. 

At 34, Panarin would certainly bring the veteran smarts and mentoring to the 19-year-old, but would the Sharks feel he's just out of their timeline?

These are two teams that will be fascinating to watch as we get closer to the trade deadline.