What Artemi Panarin Offers a Potential New Team
With the New York Rangers potentially parting ways with forward Artemi Panarin, teams are gearing up for a bidding war ahead of the March 6 trade deadline. Panarin has been a standout player throughout his seven seasons in Manhattan, making his availability particularly enticing to other franchises.
Artemi Panarin’s Contract Situation
Panarin’s contract, valued at $11.6 million per year, is set to expire at the end of the current season. Importantly, he holds a no-movement clause, giving him significant leverage in any potential trade discussions.
Panarin’s Impact on the Ice
Since joining the Rangers in 2019, Panarin has averaged an impressive 1.26 points per game. This statistic ranks him sixth in the NHL among 275 players with over 400 games played during that period.
Offensive Dominance
- Panarin leads the Rangers in offensive-zone possession time, with a total of 53:35 this season.
- Only seven players in the league have recorded more offensive-zone possession time than Panarin in the current season.
- He contributes significantly to the Rangers’ overall scoring, factoring into over 40% of the team’s total goals.
Power Play Expertise
Panarin is a critical asset on the power play, ranking third in shot attempts per two minutes this season. His scoring prowess is evident, as his 7.25 power-play points per 60 minutes rank fourth amongst 136 players who have played a minimum of 1,000 minutes during such situations since 2019.
Potential Trade Destinations
Various teams have shown interest in acquiring Panarin. Notably, the Washington Capitals seek a top-tier skilled winger after a disappointing drop in their power play effectiveness. Additionally, the Detroit Red Wings offer a compelling case, with a strong pool of prospects, ample cap space, and a team vying for the Atlantic Division title.
Detroit: A Tantalizing Fit
- The Red Wings are looking to enhance their offense, ranking seventh in expected goals but are 18th in actual scoring per game.
- A potential line featuring Panarin, Dylan Larkin, and Lucas Raymond could lead to substantial offensive production.
Legacy with the Rangers
Despite not securing a Stanley Cup title, Panarin’s tenure with the Rangers is notable. The team won the Presidents’ Trophy and advanced to two conference finals during his time. He ranks ninth on the franchise’s all-time points list, marking him as one of the significant players in the team’s history.
As trade discussions unfold, the team that successfully acquires Artemi Panarin will undoubtedly be making a bold statement in the league.