Maple Leafs scout appears at Rangers game amid Artemi Panarin trade rumors
Photo credit: Stan Szeto-Imagn Images
New York Rangers star Artemi Panarin is likely to be traded prior to the Olympics, and the Toronto Maple Leafs appear to be interested in sniffing around.
The New York Rangers are falling out with forward Artemi Panarin right now. According to Elliotte Friedman, the Rangers are keeping him off the ice until further notice.
Artemi Panarin is not playing for the Rangers tonight vs NYI for roster reasons. Is not expected to play before the Olympic freeze, assuming nothing occurs before then
It is clear that they want to trade the forward, and they are going to exercise some patience before doing so. They're also keeping him off the ice to make sure he doesn't get injured.
Overall, this just goes to show that New York means business and that it is open season if you are a team interested in acquiring the forward.
Maple Leafs how up for Rangers/Islanders
The Toronto Maple Leafs are a team that is in need of some offense, and while a Panarin deal seems unlikely for them, they are at least trying.
According to reports, Maple Leafs scouts were at last night's matchup between the New York Islanders and the New York Rangers.
Whether or not the scout in attendance was there for Panarin remains to be seen. Of course, Panarin wasn't even playing, but this could very well have just been a networking event of sorts, with Panarin as the catalyst.
At the end of the day, it is very unlikely that the Leafs get in on Panarin, given the cost and where the Leafs are in the standings right now.
However, there is no shame in sniffing around and looking for a deal if there is one to be made.
The Maple Leafs need to be creative right now, and it would be malpractice for them not to consider Panarin as a potential option.
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