Sharks trade for Artemi Panarin may fall through due to 'untouchable player'
Mike Grier just threw a massive wrench into the New York Rangers' plans before the 3 PM Olympic freeze by refusing to move Will Smith.
Jimmy Murphy is reporting that San Jose isn't moving an inch on the young dynamo despite heavy pressure from Chris Drury.
The Rangers want a king’s ransom for Artemi Panarin. But the Sharks GM isn't biting if it means losing one of his best young assets in a deal that feels like a reach.
Will Smith is among the centerpieces of this entire rebuild. He’s already put up 39 points in 41 games this season and looks like a total steal.
Chris Drury is hunting for a blue-chip prospect to kickstart a quick retool in Manhattan. He’s looking for someone to replace the hole Panarin will leave behind.
Panarin hasn't played since January for 'roster management reasons.' We all know what that actually means in today's NHL.
Sharks refuse to move the future for a short-term fix
Drury has also been sniffing around Washington. But the Capitals are treating Ryan Leonard like he's untouchable too.
Leonard is a 205-pound mountain. He’s already got 30 points of his own this year and the Caps aren't letting him go for an aging superstar, even one as good as Panarin.
Panarin carries a massive $11.6 million cap hit. That’s a premium price tag for a guy turning 34 later this year who might be looking for a final $50 million payday.
Grier has the cap space. He could fit that extension tomorrow without breaking a sweat.
But he won't do it at the cost of the kid who’s supposed to be his next franchise center for the next decade.
You don't trade a 20-year-old with Smith's ceiling for a quick hit of serotonin. That’s how you stay in the basement forever.
The Rangers might have to swallow their pride and lower the ask. If they don't, Panarin is going to be stuck watching the Olympics from his couch while his trade value craters.
Grier is playing the long game here. And right now, he's the one winning the staring contest.
Will the Rangers blink first or let their superstar rot in the press box?
Also read on House Of Hockey :
Rangers aiming to trade Artemi Panarin in the coming hours
Rangers aiming to trade Artemi Panarin in the coming hours