Trade talks loom as Artemi Panarin won't be extended in New York - Canadiens watching
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We have a major development on the National Hockey League trade market this Friday in mid-January.
The Artemi Panarin file has just shaken up the trade market - and the entire National Hockey League.
As reported by Elliotte Friedman, Artemi Panarin has been informed in New York that he will not receive a contract extension.
The message is clear, and it opens a massive door heading toward the trade deadline.
The Rangers are in the process of trading star player Artemi Panarin
It's over for Panarin with the Rangers and it's only a matter of time!
Chris Drury would be ready to work with Panarin and his agent to send him wherever he wants to go.
When a star has that kind of control, it changes the entire conversation.
"According to several sources, before releasing the letter, Drury met individually with members of the leadership group and addressed the team as a whole. As part of this retool process, Artemi Panarin was informed that he will not be offered a contract extension, and that Drury was prepared to work with him and agent Paul Theofanous to trade the winger anywhere he wishes to go."
- Elliotte Friedman, Sportsnet
- Elliotte Friedman, Sportsnet
It's happening!
The Montreal Canadiens cannot afford to ignore a situation like this.
Kent Hughes has to at least make inquiries, even if it's just to know the asking price.
At this stage, making a call costs nothing - but it can confirm a lot.
Panarin could be a great fit alongside fellow Russian Ivan Demidov in Montreal.
Panarin isn't just normal production - he's elite talent.
In 2023-2024, he recorded 120 points in 82 games with the Rangers.
The following season, he backed that up with 89 points in 80 games, including 37 goals.
His contract expires after the 2025-2026 season, and he could become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, 2026.
Add a no-movement clause to that, and you understand why every detail matters.
A trade, yes - but not just any trade.
For Montreal, the issue is simple: the salary cap and proper timing.
The CH has just made personnel moves, and several players are expected to return to action.
In that context, the club has to know exactly how much room it has before dreaming big.
This situation can also serve as a barometer for the market.
If Panarin moves, other big names will move as well.
And at that point, Kent Hughes cannot afford to be a spectator.
Just imagine a line made up of Cole Caufield, Nick Suzuki, and Artemi Panarin!
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