The NHL trade deadline is approaching, and the Washington Capitals are reportedly in the running to acquire star forward Artemi Panarin from the New York Rangers. According to The Athletic's Vince Mercogliano, the Capitals and Colorado Avalanche are the front-runners in trade talks with the Rangers for Panarin.
This comes after Capitals general manager Chris Patrick identified a 'higher-end, skilled winger' as the team's biggest need, and Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman floated the Caps as a potential Panarin trade suitor. Panarin, 34, is expected to be traded as part of New York's 'retool' process, which was announced by GM Chris Drury last week. Drury informed Panarin that the team would not seek extension talks and would instead work to find a trade partner.
Panarin holds a full no-movement clause in his contract, giving him control over his destination. This could significantly impact the Rangers' potential return in any trade. The Russian winger's current cap hit is over $11.6 million, and the Capitals only have $6.1 million available, but they will have $12.4 million in cap space at the deadline. The Rangers may also be asked to retain money on the final year of Panarin's contract.
The Capitals' willingness to part with top prospects like Ryan Leonard, Cole Hutson, Ilya Protas, and Andrew Cristall is a key consideration. With the team struggling at 13th in the Eastern Conference in points percentage, the Capitals may need to make a move soon to avoid missing the playoffs, especially in what could be Alex Ovechkin's final NHL season.
The Rangers' decision to plant their flag as sellers ahead of the Olympic break could make Panarin even more enticing to the Capitals. The trade deadline is fast approaching, and the team's fate hangs in the balance as they navigate the competitive NHL landscape.
