According to TSN insider Pierre LeBrunteams are already dropping the Artemi Panarin trade contest. With the news that Panarin wants a contract extension to be part of any trade that happens in the coming weeks, it sounds like some teams that were rumored to be in the mix may not be willing to put aside their long-term roster plans to make that work.
All three California teams – Anaheim, Los Angeles and San Jose – are connected to Chicago through their past relationships. However, LeBrun believes the Ducks are out. An extension for Panarin doesn’t fit into their timeline, with so many young core players needing new contracts soon. Committing four years for around $11 million per season just doesn’t make sense for them.
San Jose has spoken to the Rangers, and Mike Grier and Chris Drury have a history together. That said, it’s unclear how serious the Sharks want to be. They have been making moves lately and while they will have plenty of cap space next summer, they may need a center more than a winger.
As for the Kings, it feels like Ken Holland is staying involved to see where things go, but there isn’t a strong sense that they are pushing aggressively. It’s fair to wonder if the property would spend that much money on an extension.
Panarin’s matchup with Carolina is also questionable given their style of play. LeBrun said if he had to guess which Panarin would prefer, Florida might be high on his list — but there are still several possibilities as this unfolds.
Next: Panarin era in New York over as Rangers prepare for blockbuster trade
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