Rangers' Artemi Panarin held out of lineup: Potential landing spots

Artemi Panarin was held out of the New York Rangers’ lineup on Wednesday, Jan. 28 for roster management purposes.

The Athletic and other media organizations said Panarin isn’t likely to play before the Olympic break. The Olympic roster freeze begins on Feb. 4.

He’s the most valuable trade asset the Rangers have after general manager Chris Drury said in a letter to fans that they planned to “retool” the roster. Panarin has led the team in scoring each season since signing as a free agent in 2019. He leads again with 57 points in 52 games.

Panarin is in the final year of his contract but has a full no-movement clause, meaning he has the final say on where he goes if traded. TSN reported that Panarin, who averages $11.6 million in his current deal, would want an extension lined up before signing off on a trade.

Here are some possible places where it could make sense for Panarin to end up in a trade:

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NHL trade tracker: Who changed teams in 2025-26

Dec. 12: The Minnesota Wild acquired Quinn Hughes from the Vancouver Canucks for Marco Rossi, Zeev Buium, Liam Ohgren and a 2026 first-round pick.

Dec. 12: The Edmonton Oilers acquired Tristan Jarry and Samuel Poulin from the Pittsburgh Penguins for Stuart Skinner, Brett Kulak and a 2029 second-round pick.

Oct. 24: The Vancouver Canucks acquire forward Lukas Reichel from the Chicago Blackhawks for a 2027 fourth-round pick.

They have been aggressive the past two seasons, trading for Jake Guentzel and Mikko Rantanen, though they weren’t able to re-sign those players. The Hurricanes likely want to make a splash again as they try to get past the third round. They have cap space and a first-round pick.

The Red Wings are a legitimate threat to end their nine-year playoff drought. They made only minor moves at last year’s deadline, which drew criticism. Acquiring Panarin would be a major addition and the Red Wings have tons of cap space. Panarin would be reunited with former Blackhawks and Rangers teammate Patrick Kane.

The Stars were also aggressive last season, trading for and signing Rantanen at the 2025 deadline. They could use forward help with Tyler Seguin out after ACL surgery. But they lack a first-round pick and their cap situation is tight.

If they could acquire and sign Panarin, it would help the team’s future with Anze Kopitar going to retire after the season. They have a first-round pick and workable cap space.

Vegas Golden Knights

When are they not in the mix whenever a big name is available? They already traded for Rasmus Andersson this season. It doesn’t matter what their cap situation is. They find a way.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Artemi Panarin landing spots: Where Rangers star could go

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