The Anaheim Ducks could be an unexpected player in the Artemi Panarin sweepstakes, according to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, who covered the latest 32 thoughts podcast that Anaheim could be a potential fit if the star forward hits the market.
Panarin, a pending unrestricted free agent, has yet to agree to a new contract with the New York Rangers, and Friedman noted that while the veteran winger would prefer to remain in New York, curiosity is growing about what could happen if talks stall.
“I was kind of wondering if a guy like Panarin might benefit from that,” Friedman said, referring to Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek, who has developed a reputation for making “big swings” in his short tenure.
The Ducks, currently built around a deep pool of young talent including Mason McTavish, Jackson LaCombe, Leo Carlsson and Troy Terry, could look to Panarin as the elite veteran piece to accelerate their transition from rebuilding to contention. Friedman also pointed out the connection between Panarin and Joel Quenneville, who coached him during his breakout season in Chicago. How much those two are still connected is anyone’s guess, but it could be a potential storyline to watch if Quenneville lets on that he’s interested.
Panarin to the Ducks is little more than a theory
While a deal remains purely speculative, and Friedman did not say he has heard rumors of any trade or interest from either side, the idea of Anaheim pursuing a short-term, high-impact scorer like Panarin would be fascinating. It would mark a dramatic shift in their competitive timeline.
First and foremost, the Rangers must decide what to do with their star forward. Once his future with the team is determined, Verbeek can only begin to prepare for another “big swing” in Anaheim.
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