The NHL news cycle continues to grind with a fresh dose of New York Rangers rumors. In particular, the rumor mill has begun to grind with news surrounding Artemi Panarin and his impending trade. The latest chatter seems to suggest that it will only be a matter of time before a deal gets across the finish line.
According to ESPN’s Emily Kaplan, Panarin’s camp has the green light to negotiate a contract extension with other interested clubs. That situation does not come as a mind-shocking surprise. Rumblings had already been in the works suggesting that would be the case.
What makes this situation interesting is that this wrinkle in the process could delay the inevitable deal to come. Other Rangers rumors suggest that interested clubs are not so keen on a long-term deal, looking at shorter-term deals hovering around two or three years.
Insider David Pagnotta noted that teams like the Washington Capitals, the Carolina Hurricanes, and LA Kings are all looking to make a deal. The situation is that they’re keen on a short-term extension around three years. Meanwhile, Panarin’s camp is looking for an extension around four or five years.
If that’s indeed the case, it’s no bueno for Panarin’s camp. Rangers rumors posit that Panarin has played his last game on Broadway. That’s why the longer a deal takes, the longer the Russian star will sit out.
It’s fair to assume that a deal may not go through until after the Olympics. There’s about a week left to go before the roster freeze on February 4. As such, there isn’t much time on the clock to push a deal through.
Panarin’s Age Could Be Biggest Concern for Suitors
Potential Panarin suitors could be looking at his age as the biggest issue weighing on a contract extension. Panarin is 34, making him a candidate for a shorter-term deal. While initial Rangers rumors reported that Panarin’s camp wanted a six or seven year deal from the Blueshirts, Panarin’s people may have now tempered their expectations.
Panarin’s agent told the Rangers that the Russian superstar would not take a short-term deal nor would he offer a hometown discount. That situation, coupled with the Rangers’ disastrous season, set off a chain reaction of events that has unleashed the current turn of events.
Rangers Rumors Will Continue to Grind Away
There has been a plethora of Rangers rumors surrounding Panarin. Other chatter suggests Panarin’s camp is talking to all California-based teams. One rumor asserts that the Anaheim Ducks could be a destination. However, such a rumor hasn’t really gained much traction.
In addition to the Kings, the Anaheim Ducks have been in the mix, but that discussion apparently hasn’t gotten very far.
With Panarin out of the lineup, there is no real urgency to get a deal through. Thus far, Rangers rumors have not dropped a firm timeline on a Panarin trade. That’s why it is reasonable to expect the Blueshirts will sit by patiently, waiting for Panarin’s camp to do the heavy lifting for them.
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