Capitals trading for Rangers star Artemi Panarin now reportedly doesn't seem likely

"With Panarin likely playing his final game for the club, his departure seems planned for sooner rather than later, but according to hockey insider Elliotte Friedman, the Capitals are reportedly not likely to be his eventual landing spot. "Washington, I think, is willing to do this with an extension, but I haven't heard about them in a little bit," Friedman said on Sportsnet's The Fan Hockey Show. "Someone had said to me that it just didn't seem likely.""

"Previously, the Washington Capitals were listed as one of the two front-runners to land Panarin. The Rangers winger, who has a full no-trade clause, is said to be looking to sign an extension with any new team he lands with, potentially taking him to the age of 40. The Rangers are reportedly looking for a Brock Nelson-esque return for their star player."

"Last year, the New York Islanders traded Nelson and minor-league winger William Dufour to the Colorado Avalanche for Cal Ritchie, defenseman Oliver Kylington, a top-10 protected 2026 first-round pick, and a 2028 conditional third-round pick. Friedman added that Panarin's top preferred destination is the Florida Panthers, but still does not believe the Panthers would be able to make that work in terms of assets heading in the other direction and with the salary cap. Other interested teams include the San Jose Sharks, Los Angeles Kings, Detroit Red Wings, Anaheim Ducks, Dallas Stars, Carolina Hurricanes, and Utah Mammoth."

Artemi Panarin has sat out the Rangers' final games before the Olympic break for roster management reasons and is likely to depart the club. The Rangers want a Brock Nelson-style return and expect an extension to accompany any trade, with Panarin reportedly seeking a deal that could extend his career to age 40. Elliotte Friedman indicated the Washington Capitals are unlikely to be his destination. Friedman named the Florida Panthers as Panarin's top preference but questioned their ability to make a trade work. Several other teams have expressed interest, and Panarin has 56 points in 50 games this season.

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