Artemi Panarin case: the Rangers’ price is now known

Mathis Therrien
Artemi Panarin case: the Rangers’ price is now known
Credit: NEWARK, NJ - APRIL 05: Artemi Panarin #10 of the New York Rangers skates during warm up prior to the game against the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center on April 5, 2025 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Rich Graessle/NHLI via Getty Images)

The biggest story between now and the March 6 National Hockey League trade deadline is clearly that of Russian forward Artemi Panarin.

The New York Rangers star will be traded by that date, as the Rangers have announced that they are entering a “retool” period, and that this begins with Panarin's departure.

The 34-year-old forward is in the final year of his contract right now, so the Rangers want to get the most for him, rather than lose him for nothing this summer.

And speaking of getting a return for Panarin, well, we now know roughly what Rangers general manager Chris Drury's asking price would be for his star player.

Indeed, Elliotte Friedman said last night on his “Saturday Headlines” intermission segment that the Rangers' starting price was pretty much what the New York Islanders received for Brock Nelson.

The Colorado Avalanche acquired Nelson last season by giving away a solid prospect (Calum Ritchie), two conditional picks (1st round and 3rd round) and Oliver Kylington, a depth defenseman.

So that would be the price the Rangers would ask as the basis of any conversation to acquire Artemi Panarin.

It's a pretty respectable price, but one that could scare off some teams, given that Panarin is very likely to be a rental player.

This means that any team acquiring Panarin would not have a guarantee that he would re-sign this summer after a few months with the club.

That's a lot of money to pay for a 34-year-old veteran for just a few games and the playoffs.

Of course, it's possible that Panarin would stay with the team and that the price paid would be a bargain, but it would be dangerous considering that rumors suggest that the Russian forward would like to play in Florida with the Panthers.

We all remember that back in 2019, when Panarin signed for seven years ($11.6 million a year) with the Rangers, the other offer the Russian forward seriously considered was that of the Panthers.

We came close to seeing Sergei Bobrovsky and Panarin leave the Columbus Blue Jackets to join the Panthers together.

Panarin already has a connection with the Panthers, which could deter other teams from going all-in.

In short, this remains to be seen, and we'll continue to keep an eye on the situation, as Kent Hughes, GM of the Canadiens, makes clear his views on the matter.

A return like Owen Beck, Bryce Pickford, a first-round pick, and a second- or third-round pick would fit nicely into the Rangers' asking price.


Overtime

– Well said.

– With good reason.

– For those interested.

facebook icon Share twitter icon Tweet linkedin icon Share
Copied!