What Panarin Sees in the Oilers That Others Don’t

When Dave Pagnotta mentioned that Artemi Panarin would waive his no-move clause just to join the Oilers for a playoff run, my first thought was simple: What does Edmonton mean to a player who’s never played a minute there? Why put them on a short list of three?

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Panarin Isn’t Trying to Find a Permanent New Home

It turns out the answer says a lot about Panarin, and even more about the teams he picked.

This isn’t a guy who’s completely fixated on picking a new home. Pagnotta made that clear. Panarin’s priority is to get an extension, but if that’s not possible, he isn’t shopping for long-term security or a franchise reset. Going to a team like Edmonton is strictly a “let me chase a Stanley Cup before the window closes” kind of move. That tells you where he is in his career — and how he sees himself. Still dangerous, still elite, still able to swing a playoff series. But not looking to carry a team by himself anymore.

Why the Oilers, Avalanche, and Stars?

So why these three teams? Edmonton, Colorado, Dallas. The answer is that they all offer the same thing in their own flavour: a clear path to meaningful hockey this spring.

For Edmonton, the fit is obvious. If you’re Panarin and you picture yourself jumping into a lineup for two months, it helps to know the centers are Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. No heavy lifting required. Just show up, make plays, and enjoy the ride.

The Oilers have lived in go-for-it mode for years, and they know their window’s open right now. Panarin sliding into that top six would be the kind of weapon contenders usually have to draft and develop, not rent at the deadline.

Colorado makes sense for the same reason. They’ve already won with this core, and they play a system where a gifted winger can walk in and do damage from Day 1. Dallas is in a similar spot — deep lineup, strong structure, and a belief that they’re one piece away from breaking through.

Who Didn’t Panarin Choose?

What’s interesting is what Panarin didn’t choose. He wasn’t looking for lifestyle, endorsements, or a softer market. His list is basically a scoreboard: Who gives me the cleanest chance at a ring?

As for the Rangers, the return likely falls somewhere around the Brock Nelson rental model — a good package, nothing that guts a young core. That’s why Edmonton stays in the conversation. They can make that kind of deal without blowing up their future.

So what’s in it for Panarin? Pretty simple. He wants to win. And in his mind, these are the three places where you don’t waste time getting there.

Related: Artemi Panarin Would Waive to Join Oilers as Rental in Cup Chase