NHL Rumors: Could the New York Rangers move Artemi Panarin before the Olympic trade freeze?

Could the New York Rangers pull off an Artemi Panarin trade before 3 p.m.?

TSN: Chris Johnston on Early Trading on the latest news regarding Artemi Panarin and the New York Rangers just hours before the Olympic trading freeze.

** NHLRumors.com transcription

Glenn Schiiler: “Here’s our hockey insider, Chris Johnston, just hours away from the NHL’s Olympic roster freeze. Chris, there remains a lot of focus on the New York Rangers, especially their top trade target Artemi Panarin. What’s the latest on him, which may move before 3pm today?”

Johnston: “What I can tell you is that attention is warranted. There is a real drive and desire on both sides, Panarin and Rangers, to try and get this done before Wednesday’s 3pm eastern deadline.

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And there are many reasons for that. I mean, someone close to these conversations pointed out to me this morning that Artemi Panarin, not only hasn’t he played for the Rangers this past week when they started working on this, he hasn’t practiced with the team either. He skated himself. And so if something doesn’t happen, he still has a long way to go until February 23, when trading can resume on the other side of the Olympics.

So I think that’s something to think about, but it’s also a complicated transaction. Artemi Panarin’s desire remains to sign a contract extension as part of a trade. He’s under a no-movement law, so basically he and his agent are driving the bus during these conversations. And there are many teams involved in this.

The Washington Capitals have made a big offer for Panarin. The Los Angeles Kings, San Jose Sharks, they’ve both shown interest to some degree. There is a lot of attention for the regular buyers, the Florida Panthers, the Tampa Bay Lightning, Dallas Stars. And I think the contract is a little more complicated for teams in that pool.

I’ve even heard of a team like the Toronto Maple Leafs kicking at least a few tires on Panarin. And the list is undoubtedly longer than that, because perhaps another surprise awaits.

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So a lot has to come together in the last few hours, but I can tell you that those discussions will continue between Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning, and there is hope that they can find a solution before the trading halt starts.”

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