Could the Chicago Blackhawks reclaim what was once theirs? Questions remain about Artemi Panarin's future in New York, as his $11.6 million cap hit could hamper the Rangers' future, as Panarin's production has declined in recent seasons.![Artemi Panarin]()
The New York Rangers are in the middle of retooling, and could Chris Drury leave no stone unturned? That could involve moving who is considered your top forward, but also a playoff liability, Artemi Panarin.
Panarin has had one 100+ season in the NHL, with the New York Rangers, and the $11.6 million forward hasn't been able to replicate it since.
As rumors begin to swirl about his status with the Rangers, an NHL Insider believes that the team could be exploring a trade for Panarin.
"Eklund's NHL Trade, Free Agent Rumors" account on "X" has speculated that Panarin could head back to the team that gave him a shot in the NHL, the Chicago Blackhawks.
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Panarin has one year left on his $11.6 million deal signed with the Rangers in 2019. He'll be a UFA when the 2025-26 season rolls around, and if GM Chris Drury could get his cap hit off the books, he could add more talent through trade and free agency in the future.
As it stands now, the Rangers have $777K in cap space available, and the Blackhawks could easily find a spot for him on the top line with Connor Bedard.
He'd be the second-most recent player who returned to the Blackhawks, should it happen after Teuvo Teravainen.
The team now has $21 million in available cap space and could fit him in without question.
The only question is, would he accept a trade there?
