Artemi Panarin: the name of the Florida teams refuses to die

Charles-Alexis Brisebois
Artemi Panarin: the name of the Florida teams refuses to die
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)

While the Canadiens have until tomorrow to trade Patrik Laine (to prevent this from becoming too big of an issue going forward), this is even more true for Artemi Panarin.

The New York Rangers made it very clear that the situation was heating up by preventing the Russian from playing last week.

You don't do that to a guy who isn't close to leaving.

Right now, on social media, the names of Florida teams are circulating quite a bit. Why? Because he likes that area and the teams are talented.

According to Vince Z. Mercogliano, those are his teams of choice.

The problem is that we know how badly the player wants to sign a contract extension. These may not be the teams best positioned to offer him one.

The Kings and Hurricanes would be better positioned. But does he want to go there? Who knows.

In reality, the GMs in Florida (Bill Zito and Julien BriseBois) are equipped to work their magic. They run an organization that is in demand and operate in a market where taxes are lower.

It's understandable that Panarin would target those teams.

The Stars (if he doesn't sign a contract extension) are also worth keeping in mind. But honestly, since Panarin knows the Rangers are pressed for time, I expect to see the Russian make plans to go to Florida.

The Lightning are increasingly worth watching, by the way…


Overtime

– He did the right thing.

– Makes sense.

– Keep an eye on this.

– True.

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