Rangers' Panarin Linked To 3 Teams

There is one player on the New York Rangers who is seemingly good as gone, and that's Artemi Panarin. While he has control over where he goes and will very likely be choosing a team with a chance to hoist the Stanley Cup, it will also likely reduce his return because of this.

Panarin is in the final year of his deal at $11.6 million AAV and has 19 goals and 56 points in 50 games. The 34-year-old has been one of the best offensive players over the last decade and hasn't been able to win the Cup because of the struggles at different points for the Rangers and the inability for that team to get over the hump.

His time in New York is about to come to an end and GM Chris Drury confirmed to the fanbase that trades are coming. With the Rangers in last place in the Eastern Conference and three games under .500 while Panarin continues to play his game, there would be plenty of interest from teams who can fit him under their cap no problem and others who will be desperate to add a player like him in a more complex deal.

Panarin is going to go where he wants and there are three teams David Pagnotta linked. He said, "The Hurricanes, Capitals, and Kings could be trade options for Artemi Panarin.

Carolina Hurricanes

The Carolina Hurricanes are still looking for another elite player to bring in as they have the cap space and more than enough assets to pull something off. The Hurricanes are almost a lock to make the playoffs every season and added Nikolaj Ehlers in the offseason, but are willing to move some young talent on and off their roster to really put themselves over the top. Panarin could be a great fit, especially since there are a few Russians already on the team too.

Washington Capitals

Pierre-Luc Dubois has been injured since the start of November and his return date is not confirmed. That gives the Washington Capitals some room to work with if they think he's still going to be out for a while. A number of players have stepped up to fill gaps and produce, but as a team that has lost four in a row and are slipping from the playoff race, they could do something to change that. Again, there are some Russian connections in Washington and the Capitals have the assets to make that acquisition.

Los Angeles Kings

The Los Angeles Kings need scoring, but they also need a center more than anything. Panarin can't play down the middle, but he would add the scoring that may be able to push the Kings into a playoff spot amidst their tight playoff race. The Kings have the cap space to fit Panarin, will be tough to scrounge up the assets to acquire him, but are on their last legs and don't look good for the future while Anze Kopitar, Drew Doughty, and Trevor Moore are all injured at the moment.