The New York Rangers are exploring trade options for left winger Artemi Panarin, who insists on a contract extension as part of any deal. Meanwhile, Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz is stepping down, leaving the team to navigate the trade deadline amid playoff contention. These developments highlight shifting dynamics ahead of the March 6 deadline.
The New York Rangers have sidelined 34-year-old left winger Artemi Panarin as they search for a trade partner. Panarin, who becomes an unrestricted free agent on July 1, is not interested in serving as a playoff rental and holds a full no-movement clause, giving him control over his destination. He is demanding a contract extension in any trade, aiming for a "contract home run" worth $50 million, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman on the 32 Thoughts podcast.
Panarin's current contract has an average annual value of $11.642 million. A five-year extension would average $10 million per year, while a four-year deal would reach $12.5 million annually. Teams potentially willing to offer an extension include the Washington Capitals, Los Angeles Kings, San Jose Sharks, Florida Panthers, Detroit Red Wings, and Carolina Hurricanes. The Capitals and Sharks have cap space but may require the Rangers to retain salary, while the Kings and Red Wings have ample room. The Panthers' situation is complicated by captain Aleksander Barkov's knee injury.
Other teams, such as the Anaheim Ducks, Colorado Avalanche, and Dallas Stars, have shown interest but only as a rental, with the Stars prioritizing re-signing Jason Robertson. Friedman noted the Capitals, Sharks, and Red Wings as the most plausible landing spots, given Panarin's preference to avoid multiple moves.
In Nashville, the Predators are four points from a Western Conference wild-card spot and facing a front-office transition. General manager Barry Trotz is stepping down but will remain until a successor is appointed, expected within a month; the change is not health-related. Trotz has indicated openness to trades to avoid missing the playoffs for the third time in four years, potentially including center Ryan O'Reilly, who lacks no-trade protection but is being treated as if he does. No offers have yet prompted discussions with O'Reilly.
The Predators are also open to moving unrestricted free agents Michael Bunting, Michael McCarron, and defenseman Nick Perbix. The New York Islanders pursued Bunting but instead acquired Ondrej Palat from the New Jersey Devils. Core players like Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault have also appeared in rumors, though a departing GM may hesitate on major deals.
