Capitals Aggressively Seek Panarin: Trade Possible with Contract Extension
Artemi Panarin has become a central player in potential trade discussions within the NHL. The New York Rangers have temporarily sidelined him, citing “roster management reasons,” as they approach the league’s Olympic break in February 2026. This action has fueled speculation about the Russian winger’s future with the team.
Capitals Aggressively Seek Panarin: Trade Talks Intensify
The Washington Capitals have been mentioned as a potential landing spot for Panarin since rumors of his trade availability surfaced. Hockey insider Elliotte Friedman initially deemed a move to the Capitals as unlikely, but more recent updates have placed them back in a competitive position to acquire the star player.
Conflicting Reports and Market Dynamics
Friedman discussed the situation on the latest episode of Sportsnet’s 32 Thoughts Podcast, noting the conflicting information circulating around the league. He expressed concern over whether some teams were receiving different details intentionally to maintain confidentiality or if misinformation was being spread.
Contract Extension Preferences
Crucially, both Panarin and his agent Paul Theofanous are advocating for a contract extension as a condition for any trade. The expected framework of this deal stands at approximately $50 million. However, Panarin appears flexible regarding the duration of the contract, which could range from three to six years, catering to various salary cap constraints among interested teams.
Potential Trade Candidates
While teams like the Colorado Avalanche and Dallas Stars seem unlikely to pursue an extension with Panarin, several others are showing interest. These include:
- Los Angeles Kings
- Seattle Kraken
- Florida Panthers
- Anaheim Ducks
- Minnesota Wild
- Philadelphia Flyers
- Vegas Golden Knights
Friedman believes these teams harbor doubts about their candidacy. In contrast, he identifies the Capitals, along with the San Jose Sharks, Carolina Hurricanes, and Detroit Red Wings, as serious contenders willing to negotiate an extension with Panarin before formalizing a trade.
Cap Space and Future Considerations
As per PuckPedia, the Capitals anticipate having $35.73 million in cap space next summer. Their primary focus will be aligning with Alex Ovechkin’s future and negotiating terms with defenseman John Carlson.
Another consideration will be the status of restricted free agent Connor McMichael. Given their financial flexibility, the Capitals could potentially accommodate Panarin’s preferred contract length and value.
Currently, Panarin’s cap hit stands at just over $11.6 million, with the Capitals maintaining $7 million in available cap space. As the deadline approaches, they could have approximately $12.9 million at their disposal.
Upcoming Trade Deadline
As the NHL prepares for the Olympic-break roster freeze at 3 p.m. on February 4, trade activities are expected to gain momentum. Reports suggest the Rangers are keen to finalize any trade involving Panarin before this deadline, with the official trade deadline following at 3 p.m. on March 6.
The interest in Artemi Panarin continues to heat up, particularly as the Washington Capitals aggressively pursue a deal that could reshape their roster ahead of the crucial second half of the season.
