Is the Breadman leaving the Big Apple? Explore why Artemi Panarin is the top target of the 2026 NHL trade deadline and which six Stanley Cup contenders should pull the trigger on a blockbuster deal.
The New York Rangers have officially signaled a new era, and it looks like their biggest star is the first one heading for the exit. With the team announcing a “retool,” Artemi Panarin has been sat for roster management purposes, likely having played his final game in a Rangers sweater. As a pending free agent with elite playmaking skills, he is the undisputed “big fish” of the 2026 trade market.
Artemi Panarin: 2025-26 Season Profile
| Feature | Details |
| Current Points | 57 (19 Goals, 38 Assists) |
| Games Played | 52 |
| Cap Hit | $11.64 Million (Expiring UFA) |
| Trade Clause | Full No-Movement Clause (NMC) |
| NHL Ranking | 6th in Total Points since 2019 |
| Asking Price | High-end Prospect + 1st Round Pick |
1. Anaheim Ducks: The Young Guns’ Mentor
The Anaheim Ducks are arguably the most intriguing fit for Artemi Panarin. Currently sitting third in the Pacific Division, the Ducks have a massive pool of young talent and the cap space to sign Panarin to a long-term extension. Pairing a veteran playmaker like Panarin with a young phenom like Leo Carlsson could be the spark that turns Anaheim from a “surprise team” into a legitimate Stanley Cup threat. With nearly $40 million in projected cap space for next season, the Ducks are one of the few teams that can actually afford to keep the Breadman long-term.
2. Colorado Avalanche: Creating an Unstoppable Monster
Imagine a power play featuring Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, and Artemi Panarin. It sounds like a video game, but the Avalanche are reportedly exploring this exact scenario. Colorado has been the best team in the league this season, and adding Panarin would essentially be a “nuclear option” for their playoff run. While the cap logistics are tricky, the Avalanche have shown they are willing to be creative to win another Cup. If Panarin wants the absolute best chance to win a ring in 2026, Denver is the place to be.
3. Detroit Red Wings: The “Yzer-plan” Accelerates
Steve Yzerman has been patient, but with the Red Wings firmly in the playoff hunt, the time to strike is now. Behind their top trio of Larkin, DeBrincat, and Raymond, Detroit’s secondary scoring is remarkably thin. Artemi Panarin would provide the elite secondary scoring punch they desperately need to compete with the heavy hitters in the Atlantic Division. Detroit has the financial flexibility to offer Panarin the multi-year deal he craves, making this a potentially perfect marriage between player and city.
4. Los Angeles Kings: Solving the Scoring Crisis
The Kings are a defensive masterpiece, but their offense has been stuck in neutral all season. Ranking near the bottom of the league in goals per game, Los Angeles is the definition of a team that is “one superstar away.” Adding Artemi Panarin would immediately fix their anemic power play and provide a high-end partner for Quinton Byfield. With captain Anze Kopitar in the twilight of his career, the Kings are under pressure to provide him with one last championship-caliber roster.
5. Florida Panthers: The Russian Connection
Could a reunion with Sergei Bobrovsky be in the cards? The Panthers have struggled with injuries this season, particularly to Aleksander Barkov, and their scoring depth has taken a hit. Artemi Panarin has expressed interest in Florida in the past, and the Panthers’ “win-at-all-costs” culture fits his competitive drive. While they lack draft capital, a trade involving a young roster player like Anton Lundell could be enough to convince the Rangers to send Panarin to Sunrise for a three-peat attempt.
6. Washington Capitals: The Ultimate Russian Duo
The hockey world has long dreamed of seeing Alex Ovechkin and Artemi Panarin on the same line. Beyond the marketing appeal, the Capitals are in a desperate fight for their playoff lives and need an injection of elite talent. With Pierre-Luc Dubois on the shelf, Washington lacks the playmaking “pop” required to keep pace in the Metropolitan Division. If the Rangers are willing to retain some salary, Panarin could be the catalyst that helps Ovechkin and the Caps make one final historic run.
Conclusion: A Franchise-Altering Decision
The decision of where Artemi Panarin lands will likely reshape the entire 2026 playoff bracket. Because he holds a full no-movement clause, the Breadman is the one in the driver’s seat. Whether he chooses the sunny beaches of California or the championship pedigree of Colorado, the team that acquires him is getting a point-per-game superstar who can change a series with a single pass. As the March 6 deadline approaches, the hockey world waits with bated breath to see where Artemi Panarin will resume his pursuit of a Stanley Cup. It’s the end of an era in New York, but for one lucky contender, the party is just getting started.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why is Artemi Panarin not playing for the Rangers right now?
The Rangers have sat Artemi Panarin for “roster management” purposes. This is common when a trade is imminent or when a team wants to protect a valuable trade asset from injury before a deal is finalized.
2. Does Panarin have a say in where he is traded?
Yes. Artemi Panarin has a full no-movement clause (NMC), meaning he must personally approve any trade and any destination the Rangers propose.
3. What is the deadline for a trade to happen?
The 2026 NHL Trade Deadline is Friday, March 6, at 3:00 PM ET. However, many expect a deal to be completed before the Olympic break begins on February 4.
4. How much of his salary will the Rangers have to keep?
Given his $11.6 million cap hit, the Rangers will likely have to retain 50% of his salary ($5.8 million) to facilitate a trade to a cap-strapped contender.
5. Is Panarin expected to sign a contract extension with his new team?
Most insiders believe that a “king’s ransom” trade return for the Rangers will only happen if Artemi Panarin agrees to sign a long-term contract extension with the team acquiring him.
