Five teams interested in Artemi Panarin as he seeks long-term deal in free agency

The New York Rangers have struggled mightily this season, and with a Stanley Cup Playoffs spot a long distance from their reach, it appears as though they may be ready to be sellers ahead of the 2026 trade deadline.

We've already seen speculation over Alexis Lafreniere's future, but the player most likely to be dealt by this team at this point in time is Artemi Panarin, who is set to be an unrestricted free agent in the summer.

Now, a report from David Pagnotta has revealed the Minnesota Wild, Florida Panthers, Carolina Hurricanes, Washington Capitals and Detroit Red Wings are all teams that are keeping an eye on the situation with the intention of pursuing the veteran star.

However, that's not the only news on Panarin, as insider Frank Seravalli has now revealed that he's looking for a long-term deal in free agency this summer, one that will carry him well into his 40's.

That makes sense for Panarin as he has aged well thus far in his NHL career, posting 19 goals and 56 points in 50 games as a 34-year old, and given that he's over a point-per-game in eight straight seasons, it's easy to see him staying very productive into his 40's.

It's unclear if any of these teams wish to give him that type of long-term deal in free agency, but as of right now, he's likely to be dealt at the trade deadline, and if he makes it to free agency, he'll be the biggest name available and will likely get his demands met by a team in the league somewhere.

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