The Artemi Panarin trade rumors are heating up. There is growing speculation that the 2016 Calder Trophy winner and 2023 NHL All-Star will be traded before the Olympic Roster Freeze on February 4. Remember, Panarin of Korkino, Russia, will not be competing at the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milan/Cortina d’Ampezzo as the Russian hockey team is banned from participating due to their invasion in Ukraine.
Earlier this week, we discussed the possibility of Panarin being traded to the Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Stars and Florida Panthers. Now, according to MX Hockey, three more teams have come into the spotlight as possible destinations Panarin could be going to. They are the Carolina Hurricanes, Los Angeles Kings, and Washington Capitals.
Carolina Hurricanes
Last week we discussed the possibility that the Hurricanes could trade Andrei Svechnikov and/or Jesperi Kotkaniemi. There is a genuine belief that the two Hurricanes forwards need a change of scenery.
There is a strong possibility that the Rangers are not looking for a lot of prospects and draft picks. Due to the fact they are in a high profile sports market, they would want a player or players that deliver immediate impact. Svechnikov could fit in the Rangers plans nicely, as he hs 410 points in 531 games. Like Panarin, Svechnikov was an All-Star in 2023. Kotkaniemi, meanwhile, is a former third overall draft pick in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, but only has eight points in 32 games this season.
Los Angeles Kings
The Kings are known for their defense. At this time, they have struggled mightily as a unit in putting the puck in the net. Their 138 goals are the third fewest goals in the Western Conference. The only two teams that have fewer goals than the Kings are the St. Louis Blues (135) and the Calgary Flames (133). If Panarin joined the Kings, he would lead the team in points with 57.
Washington Capitals
There is already one Russian superstar in the American capital, and it would not be a surprise at all if Alexander Ovechkin is doing his best to persuade Capitals management to do anything they can to acquire Panarin. One thing to keep in mind is the fact that Ovechkin and Panarin both play left wing, so don’t expect them to play on the same line even strength. At 40 years of age, there is speculation this could be Ovechkin’s final season, and Ovechkin may like nothing more than to try and win a Stanley Cup alongside another Russian star.
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