The Washington Capitals want a winger.
The New York Rangers have a winger on the trade block, Artemi Panarin.
Could it be that simple?
Pro Hockey Rumors writer Brian La Rose made that link in a new article on Friday night.
"At first glance, Rangers winger Artemi Panarin could be a logical fit," La Rose writes. With the Rangers moving into a retool that will involve not re-signing him, he’s likely to be moved over the next six weeks. Washington has ample regular season cap space to acquire him at his full price tag ($11.643MM). They don’t have enough playoff cap room to fit him in with a fully healthy roster but if New York retained on his contract, that could be workable. That said, plenty of contending teams will be going after Panarin, who stands to be one of the top players moved (if not the top player dealt) before the deadline."
Panarin is 34 years old, and the Rangers have reportedly decided they won't be extending him a new contract after this season.
He has scored 16 goals and tallied 35 assists in 47 games this season.
In his career, Panarin has played 799 NHL games and scored 318 goals with 603 assists (921 points).
Capitals GM Chris Patrick told reporters that Washington is "actively pursuing" help on the wing.
It'd be tough to find a better addition in this market than Panarin, if the Caps can make the money work.
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