Insider Links 4 Teams to Artemi Panarin Trade
The New York Rangers may have hit rock bottom with that ugly 10-2 loss to the Boston Bruins last weekend, but they haven't been able to stop the bleeding yet. They're now winless in five straight, and have just one win in their last nine. They're edging closer and closer to official "SELL" territory (if they aren't there already).
The biggest name, of course, that GM Chris Drury could move, is pending unrestricted free agent—and Rangers top scorer—Artemi Panarin. It doesn't appear as if there's any extension coming, and a trade by the deadline seems to be very much on the table.
But the Bread Man could lay toast to the Rangers' best-laid plans, as he does hold a full no-move clause.
Elliotte Friedman said on the 32 Thoughts podcast this week that he thinks that Drury does need to start seriously thinking about it, and figure out a way to get something done. Both for the team, and for Panarin and his pending free agency.
It is in (Panarin's) best interests to go somewhere and thrive... It can't hurt his value. I think what you're hoping for is, if you are waving the white flag on the season... at some point you have to go to him and his reps and say, 'Are there some teams we can work with there? Are there some places where you would be willing to go?'
Friedman envisions four big-name contenders in the running to pry Panarin loose from Manhattan:
- Colorado Avalanche
- Florida Panthers
- Minnesota Wild
- Washington Capitals
