There is no doubt about the hottest name in the NHL’s trade market. The New York Rangers are looking for a new team for superstar Artemi Panarin. However, the Russian forward has a no-trade clause in his contract, so he essentially gets to decide where he moves for the remainder of the season.

The Athletic reporter Vincent Mercogliano writes in his article that Panarin would prefer to stay on the East Coast of North America.

– Three different people I spoke to believe that the two-time champion Florida Panthers are Panarin’s top choice for several reasons, including the fact that he and goalie Sergei Bobrovsky are good friends, Mercogliano writes.

A move to Florida is difficult to accomplish. The team’s salary cap has no room, and the Panthers have no interesting trade pieces left to offer the Rangers in exchange.

– The Washington Capitals are another option. They have plenty of space in their salary cap and more trade pieces, including a 2026 1st round draft pick, which Florida cannot offer. Above all, Washington’s GM Chris Patrick has publicly stated that their “biggest need is a skilled winger for the top lines.”

Panarin has played 52 games this season and scored 19+38=57 points. His annual salary is just over 11.6 million dollars.

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