Panarin Trade Destinations and Bussi’s Vezina Trophy Prospects Discussed

As discussions around Artemi Panarin’s potential trade heat up, various NHL teams have emerged as frontrunners in the acquisition race. Chief among these are the Dallas Stars, Colorado Avalanche, and Florida Panthers.

Panarin’s Trade Complexity

Panarin possesses a no-movement clause in his contract. This clause allows him to choose from teams interested in acquiring him. The New York Rangers could retain 50% of his $11.64 million salary cap charge, making his effective salary for an acquiring team only $5.82 million.

The potential return for the Rangers hinges on the number of interested teams. A limited list would reduce their leverage in negotiations, while a broader selection could enhance the return value.

Key Teams Interested

• Dallas Stars: They could significantly benefit from Panarin’s offensive prowess, particularly on the power play. While they need to clear cap space, they possess second-round picks in 2026 and 2027, providing trade ammunition. Signing Jason Robertson, a restricted free agent, would remain feasible.
• Colorado Avalanche: Although they have a strong offensive lineup, adding Panarin would bolster their chances of winning the Stanley Cup. To facilitate a trade, they might offer players like Ross Colton or Samuel Girard, both signed for another season.
• Florida Panthers: A possible preferred destination for Panarin, given his friendship with goalie Sergei Bobrovsky. The Panthers are a competitive team looking to strengthen their power play, currently ranked 22nd in the league. However, salary cap constraints complicate matters, especially with center Aleksander Barkov’s potential return from injury.

Cap Implications and Future Considerations

With the NHL salary cap being a critical factor, teams must navigate their budgets carefully. The Panthers face challenges if they intend to keep Barkov and add Panarin, due to cap space intricacies extending into the postseason.

Additionally, the Panthers lack first-round picks in the upcoming drafts, limiting their options. As the deadline approaches, it will be fascinating to see how these dynamics unfold.

In summary, with significant teams eyeing Artemi Panarin, the upcoming weeks will be crucial for the Rangers and the potential suitors aiming to enhance their rosters for the playoffs.