Could Jets Land Panarin in a Deal Involving Huge D-Man?

Trade chatter is starting to heat up around the Winnipeg Jets, and one name drawing attention is towering defenseman Logan Stanley. On a recent episode of Daily Faceoff Live, insider David Pagnotta suggested Stanley’s time in Winnipeg could be nearing an end, saying everything he’s heard points toward a trade.

---

That news lines up with Elliotte Friedman’s reporting on 32 Thoughts, where he floated Detroit and Winnipeg as potential trade partners. Friedman also noted Steve Yzerman has interest in Artemi Panarin, though it would likely require an extension rather than a short-term rental.

So why not connect the dots with a bold trade pitch?

Panarin to Winnipeg would instantly give the Jets the elite scoring punch they’ve lacked during their uneven 2026 campaign. The Rangers’ forward remains one of the NHL’s most dangerous offensive players and because he’s looking for an extension as part of any trade, the Jets might be on his radar if they’re willing to pay what others aren’t.

In return, the Rangers could target a package built around Stanley and a high pick. At 6’7”, Stanley brings size, physicality, penalty killing, and surprisingly has eight goals in 51 games this season. His $1.25 million cap hit is team-friendly, and contenders always value big defenders with bite.

Is Panarin a Good Idea for the Jets?

Winnipeg, however, may be reaching the point where selling makes more sense. With playoff odds under 10 percent, moving Stanley now could finally allow the Jets to cash in before losing him for nothing. If that’s the case, does going all in on someone like Panarin make sense? He’s looking for a four or five-year deal at around $10 million per season. That puts him at 39 or so when his deal ends and there’s a good chance his production drops dramatically over that time.

A deal involving Stanley plus picks or prospects for Panarin would be massive — and it’s exactly the kind of shake-up both franchises may soon consider.

Next: Predicting Landing Spots For NHL’s Top Stars at the 2026 Trade Deadline Pt. 3