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Toronto Maple Leafs May Have Just Been Given a Gift in the Form of Artemi Panarin
Photo credit: Imagn Images
New York Rangers superstar Artemi Panarin is going to be in the market for a new contract in the Summer of 2026, and the Toronto Maple Leafs must pay attention.
Artemi Panarin is a player who has been a beacon of consistency for the New York Rangers over the past few years, even when the team is not good.
Last season, the team struggled on the ice, but Panarin still gave the team 89 points. Two seasons ago, he had 49 goals and 120 points, which just goes to show his talent.
With that in mind, he is set to become a free agent in the Summer of 2026, and there are a lot of conversations being had about what his future will look like.
Artemi Panarin is a free agent very soon
According to David Pagnotta, the New York Rangers need to ask themselves, and Panarin himself, what the future looks like here.
If they know that Panarin is not going to re-sign, then they may just look into trading him as a rental. In many ways, it is similar to the Mikko Rantanen situation.
The guy I'm really curious about with the Rangers is Artemi Panarin; what's gonna happen with him?; if it's status quo do they start to get a head start on trade discussions involving Panarin?
Over the past few months, the big narrative surrounding the Toronto Maple Leafs is that they need to get a top-six forward, or someone who can play on the first line.
Panarin would fit that bill. Whether they get him in a trade or a free agent, it does not matter. General Manager Brad Treliving must be paying attention here.
Even at 34 years old, Panarin could be a transformational player for the team, and the Leafs need to be looking out for themselves here.
If they don't grab him, somebody else will, and that is not acceptable for this team right now. Hopefully, the Leafs make a move and get aggressive while they can.
| POLL | ||
AOUT 27 | 115 ANSWERS Toronto Maple Leafs May Have Just Been Given a Gift in the Form of Artemi Panarin Do you believe the Toronto Maple Leafs would go after Artemi Panarin? | ||
| YES | 49 | 42.6 % |
| NO | 66 | 57.4 % |
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