New York Rangers scratch Artemi Panarin, trade talks advancing with Sharks

Artemi Panarin's days as a New York Ranger are coming to an end, and there's a very good possibility his next stop with be on the west coast.

Rangers GM Chris Drury has been working the phones for weeks, trying to facilitate a move that Panarin would approve, and now it sounds like both sides are working together after Panarin was scratched in the Rangers game Wednesday. A game the Rangers lost 5-2 against the New York Islanders.

Panarin has reportedly been told if he doesn't approve a trade over the next few weeks,  the team will hold him out of the lineup until after the Olympic break. The Rangers have two more games before the Olympic break.

According to reports, Panarin wants a contract extension as part of the trade, and he wants another no-movement clause on his next contract as well. Panarin has scored 57 points in 52 games this season and carries a $11.6 million cap hit.

"It's hard to say how I feel," Panarin said Jan. 17. "I'm still confused, but the GM decided to go in a different direction. I'm OK with that. I'm a Ranger player right now, so I'll play every game 100%."

As far as trade destinations go, the Capitals, Panthers, Lightning, Avalanche, and Hurricanes are all in the mix, but the dark horse in all of this are the San Jose Sharks. GM Mike Grier and Drury are best of buddies, they've done work together in the past and the Sharks have everything the Rangers need to facilitate a deal.

If Panarin heads to the Sharks, which he is open to, it's likely a 2026 first-round pick, a 2027 fourth-round pick, and top prospect Michael Misa heading to the Big Apple. Too much for Panarin? Even with a contract extension?

Photo credit: Bob Lee, Imagn IMages