Could the Capitals Pair Artemi Panarin With Alex Ovechkin?

Following a statement the team released to fans to prepare them for what was coming, the New York Rangers are expected to be active sellers ahead of the trade deadline. Among the names most likely to be discussed is Artemi Panarin, whom the organization has said it will not extend a new contract offer.

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Paranin is quickly emerging as the biggest name to watch. With the Rangers signaling a “retool” and Panarin in the final year of his seven-year deal, a blockbuster move is on the horizon, and which teams show interest will be a major NHL storyline.

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According to Rangers beat writer Vince Mercogliano, the Washington Capitals and Colorado Avalanche have surfaced as frontrunners to land the star winger. Interestingly, Washington appears to have the edge. The Capitals possess a strong prospect pool, multiple high draft picks, and far more flexibility than Colorado, which is short on both picks and young assets.

Also interesting is that the Capitals are a division rival. The Rangers can’t be thrilled with the idea of sending one of their best players to a team they play only one more time this season, but would be battling for wild card spot, should the Rangers somehow stay in the mix.

Why Would The Capitals Push Hard for Panarin?

The idea of Panarin joining Alex Ovechkin in Washington is already turning heads. Sean Gentille of The Athletic noted:

“Ignoring for a second the whole “trading a star within the division” element, Panarin couldn’t make more sense in D.C. The Capitals are openly looking for a high-end winger, have a solid crop of prospects and have all of their own first-round picks for the foreseeable future. Panarin would push them squarely back toward the top of the Metro Division, set them up for another playoff run with Alex Ovechkin and potentially fit with the rest of a win-now core for the next few years.”

Washington has been middling offensively this season and currently sits outside a playoff spot after finishing atop the Eastern Conference a year ago.

While Panarin and Ovechkin aren’t particularly close off the ice, the fit on the ice would be undeniable. With cap space available and prospects to entice New York, Washington is positioned as a legitimate—and intriguing—landing spot.

Next: Latest NHL Trade Buzz: Canucks, Rangers, Flames