NHL Trade Rumors: Artemi Panarin complicates Rangers trade efforts, demanding a $50 million contract extension

Artemi Panarin, who has been making headlines due to his trade from the New York Rangers, seems to have made their trade efforts more complicated as the Rangers star is reportedly demanding a staggering amount of $50 million contract extension, as reported by NHL insider Elliotte Friedman.

The New York Rangers are going through a significant roster shake-up, the team is preparing to move a high-profile player, and they have apparently decided to scratch star forward Artemi Panarin in a 5-2 loss to the New York Islanders at UBS Arena on Thursday.

As per reports, Panarin will not play for the New York Rangers in their last two games before the NHL roster freeze for the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, which begins Feb. 4, 2026. Meanwhile, the Rangers are sitting at the bottom of the Eastern Conference with very limited possibilities to be back in form.

NHL Insider says Artemi Panarin demands a staggering amount of $50 million contract extension

As the trade buzz around Artemi Panarin has attracted huge traction, NHL Insider has stated that the star winger has made trade efforts for the New York Rangers complicated by asking for a staggering amount of $50 million contract extension.

According to Sportsnet, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman revealed on his 32 Thoughts Podcast that he's been hearing from teams that Panarin and his agent, Paul Theofanous, are seeking a $50 million contract extension. Friedman stated, “I think everybody understands that if you're going to get Panarin, he is going to try to hit a contract home run, even though he's 34 years old. And the number I was hearing, and a few teams backed me on this, was $50 million,"


NHL Insider Kevin Weekes reported this week that as many as 14 teams have expressed interest in Panarin, including Anaheim, Los Angeles, San Jose, Vegas, Dallas, Utah, Colorado, Minnesota, Seattle, Toronto, Carolina, Washington, Tampa Bay, and New York Islanders. “Per sources, as of today, I’m told the following have expressed interest in Panarin: ANA, LA, SJ, VGK, DAL, UT, COL, MIN, SEA, TOR, CAR, WAS, TBL, NYI. More clubs will join, and importantly player has to approve any move first,” the insider tweeted.

As per reports, among them, the current Stanley Cup champions Florida Panthers, have gained traction as a team, and according to NHL insider Pierre LeBrun, the Panthers sit near the top of Panarin’s personal list, due to the team’s approach and recent success. “If I had to think of a team that would probably be number one on Panarin’s list, I would say the Florida Panthers, like almost every other player in the league,” LeBrun said.

While Friedman says that the Colorado Avalanche and Anaheim Ducks could only acquire Panarin as a rental. However, the Dallas Stars would only do a trade and contract extension if they move on from Jason Robertson.

It is important to note that Artemi Panarin is in the final year of his seven-year, $81.5 million contract, with a cap hit of $11,642,857 per season. Now, it will be interesting to witness which team will choose Panarin with a good trade deal, and if he gets his place that his talent rightly deserves.


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