The clock is ticking! With the NHL roster freeze looming, the hockey world is buzzing with speculation about Artemi Panarin's potential move. Will he be traded before Wednesday's deadline, and who are the frontrunners to land the star forward?
Panarin's Trade Talks: A Race Against Time
As the NHL's Olympic roster freeze approaches, all eyes are on the New York Rangers and their highly sought-after player, Artemi Panarin. The question on everyone's mind is whether Panarin will be on the move before the 3 p.m. deadline on Wednesday. According to hockey insider Chris Johnston, there's a genuine effort from both Panarin's camp and the Rangers to finalize a deal. This urgency isn't surprising. Panarin hasn't played with the Rangers for the past week and has been training separately, which means if a trade doesn't happen, he'll be in a lengthy holding pattern until trades can resume after the Olympics on February 23rd.
But here's where it gets complicated: Panarin's desire is to sign a contract extension as part of any trade. With a no-movement clause in his current deal, he and his agent are essentially steering the ship in these negotiations. Several teams have thrown their hats into the ring, including the Washington Capitals, who have reportedly made a significant offer. The Los Angeles Kings and San Jose Sharks have also expressed interest. Perennial contenders like the Florida Panthers, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Dallas Stars are also in the mix, though the contract situation might be a bit more complex for them. Even the Toronto Maple Leafs have reportedly explored the possibility of acquiring Panarin. It's entirely possible the list of interested teams is even longer, with a surprise contender waiting in the wings. A lot needs to fall into place in these final hours, but as of Tuesday night and into Wednesday morning, discussions are ongoing with a hopeful resolution before the trade freeze.
Leafs' Recent Wins: A Deadline Game-Changer?
Speaking of the Toronto Maple Leafs, they've been on a hot streak, securing their third consecutive win on Tuesday night. Does this resurgence alter their approach to the trade deadline?
Johnston believes it won't change the management's process. While the players are clearly energized and showing they haven't given up on the season – perhaps even finding their rhythm during their Western Canada road trip – the front office, led by Brad Treliving, has already been assessing the market value of their players. A few wins, even if they extend beyond the break, are unlikely to sway the front office from their original plans. They've been focusing on the 'second layer' of players on the roster, including pending UFAs like Bobby McMann, Scott Laughton, and potentially others like Simon Benoit, Brandon Carlo, or Oliver Ekman-Larsson. The Leafs will use the break to gauge their market value and, as March 6th approaches, it's still expected they will make some moves to sell.
So, unless there's a dramatic shift in thinking, this winning streak likely won't alter the Leafs' deadline strategy, though the players might be hoping to influence management's decisions.
Olympic Bound: NHLers Head to Milan
While some NHL games are still on the schedule for Wednesday, several teams have already played their final games before the Winter Olympics. What's the plan for players heading to Italy?
Things are getting real! NHL players are expected to arrive in Milan as early as Thursday, with more arriving by Friday for the opening ceremonies. Among them will be players like Charlie McAvoy, Jeremy Swayman, and David Pastrnak of the Boston Bruins, who are heading over early to participate in the ceremonies. Some players are opting for even earlier travel, as the official NHL charters aren't scheduled to depart until Saturday, meaning a Sunday arrival after a transatlantic flight. National teams from Canada and the U.S. are slated to practice in Milan on Sunday. So, even though there are still some NHL games to be played, it's understandable that some players are already looking forward to Italy. We'll definitely see NHL representation at the opening ceremonies.
What do you think? Should the Rangers trade Panarin before the deadline, even with the complexities? And do you agree that the Leafs' recent wins shouldn't change their trade deadline plans? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
