BREAKING…Avalanche Linked to Rangers’ Artemi Panarin After Contract Talks Update….

BREAKING…Avalanche Linked to Rangers’ Artemi Panarin After Contract Talks Update….

The NHL trade deadline is still two months away, but rumors will only grow between now and March 6, with past connections resurfacing and making for an interesting story ahead of that date.

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman brought attention to the Colorado Avalanche’s past pursuit of New York Rangers forward Artemi Panarin, referencing a previous four-year, $52 million offer made when Panarin was last a free agent in the summer of 2019.

“I was reminded of Colorado taking a big run at Artemi Panarin. They made him like a four-year, $13 million [per season] offer when he was last a UFA,” Friedman said on Sportsnet’s “The FAN Hockey Show” on Thursday. “I do think there are teams out there who really wanna know what this player’s decision is gonna be.”

Friedman’s reminder comes at a time of growing uncertainty in New York, where Panarin’s future is rather unclear. The Rangers have stalled in extension talks with Panarin, according to The Athletic’s Vincent Mercogliano.

Mercogliano reported Wednesday that discussions between the Rangers and Panarin “never got very far.” On top of that, the Rangers’ management may approach Panarin about waiving his no-move clause if the team’s results do not improve, helping them find a trade partner before the deadline.

“There’s a growing expectation New York will approach Panarin if the season slips further out of reach,” Mercogliano reported.

New York Rangers left wing Artemi Panarin (10) reacts to a call during a game.
Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

New York has lost 15 of its last 20 games at home and sits tied for second-to-last in the Metropolitan Division with a 20–19–6 record.

Panarin, 34, has continued to produce offensively, with 48 points in 44 games and a four-game multipoint streak heading into Saturday’s matchup against the Boston Bruins.

The Avalanche, meanwhile, are on a historic 135-point pace and lead the Western Conference with a 32-4-7 record through 43 games.

Despite having limited draft capital following last season’s trade for New York Islanders forward Brock Nelson, the Avs remain one of the most aggressive buyers on the market and have first-round picks available in 2027 and 2028 to offer the Rangers if Panarin becomes available.

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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jan 10, 2026, where it first appeared in the NHL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.