Rangers narrowing down Panarin options — The Fourth Period

The New York Rangers are deeply engaged in trade discussions with teams involving star Artemi Panarin and the hope, according to sources, is to get a deal finalized by the Olympic break next Wednesday at 3pm ET.

As reported by TFP’s David Pagnotta, the Rangers are involving in trade talks with multiple teams and the goal for both the team and the player is to get a trade ironed by the roster freeze.

The Los Angeles Kings, Washington Capitals and Carolina Hurricanes are believed to be at the front of the race for Panarin’s services, though the San Jose Sharks, Dallas Stars, Detroit Red Wings, Anaheim Ducks, Utah Mammoth and Florida Panthers have varying degrees of interest.

The caveat in this entire situation – more so for teams like the Stars and Ducks – is that Panarin wants a four-year extension to go along with a trade.

According to Pagnotta, the Kings and Capitals are willing to give him a three-year extension worth at or around $12 million per season, while Panarin is looking for $11 million per season over four years. It is unclear if the Hurricanes or Sharks want to go that high. An extension with the Stars seems unlikely, while the Panthers would need to get tremendously creative to pull off a trade this season.

It is unclear, at this point, if Panarin has interest in potentially joining either the Mammoth or the Red Wings, or another club that enters the mix.

Panarin remains No.1 on TFP’s updated Trade Watch List.

Trade negotiations, and contract discussions between the interested teams and Panarin’s agent Paul Theofanous, continue.

Panarin was scratched from Wednesday’s game and will not suit up for the Rangers again.

In 52 games with the Rangers this season, Panarin registered 19 goals and 38 assists for 57 points. His last game with the Blueshirts was on Monday against the Boston Bruins.