NHL Rumors: Elliotte Friedman links Artemi Panarin to $1.59B franchise for short-term contract

Artemi Panarin has had a slow start to the 2025-26 season with the New York Rangers. He has two goals and five assists in 14 games, but his average ice time has jumped by over a minute. And if we take a look at his defensive game, it is weak with a -5 rating this season.

With Panarin's drop in performance comes an obvious drop in the Rangers' performance. The Blueshirts are 6-6-2 and sit fifth in the Metropolitan Division. Their offense ranks low, with only 2.21 goals per game. It is hard to fathom that this is the same team that won the President's Trophy in the 2023-24 season.

On Monday's episode of the 32 Thoughts podcast, Elliotte Friedman discussed Panarin’s situation. He mentioned the Anaheim Ducks as a possible fit, which is valued at $1.59 billion, according to Sportico in 2025.

"I was wondering, too, about the Ducks...Verbeek going out and doing things. He's kind of taking some big swings that haven't landed. ..I wondered if a guy like Panarin might make some sense there." Friedman said. [33:20 onwards]

Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek has been active in improving the team. Friedman said a short contract with Panarin could help add scoring and leadership.

"Right now, they've got crowded with [Leo] Carlson and [Troy] Terry," Friedman said. "They've got McTavish with a gold chain, [Beckett] Sennecke, and they have a ton of young talent... I just wondered, you know, short term, what the number could be (for Panarin)."

Artemi Panarin’s seven-year, $81.5 million contract ends after this season, and the Rangers have talked about a shorter, lower-value extension.

"First of all, obviously, like, I think Panera wants to be in New York, and we'll see if this works out," Friedman said. "As we have indicated, the Rangers have talked to him about a shorter-term, lesser-money deal, which so far hasn't worked,"

Artemi Panarin's trade could help develop young players

Adding Artemi Panarin could help balance Anaheim’s lineup. His playmaking skills are impressive, and his experience would support their developing forwards.

Friedman said Anaheim might explore signing him if he becomes a free agent.

"For a guy like Verbeek, I wonder if he'd worry about, 'Okay, would that affect any of my good young players?' Not necessarily, but Verbeek could decide that with Joel Quenneville." Friedman said.

"Who did Panarin break into the NHL with? Quenneville in Chicago."

A short deal could benefit both the player and the team. But for now, Artemi Panarin is focused on regaining form with the Rangers. His future may become a major topic later in the season.