New York Rangers star Artemi Panarin break silence and reportedly has a preferred team for a potential trade

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reports that New York Rangers forward Artemi Panarin has informed GM Chris Drury that he would be open to a trade to the Florida Panthers.

Panarin, who has a full no-trade clause, controls his destination, and his interest in Florida appears tied to the team’s contender status and his close relationship with Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, his former Columbus teammate.

Friedman noted on the 32 Thoughts podcast: “I think Panarin would love to play in Florida… with Bobrovsky, but I just don’t know that’s going to be possible. The Panthers might pursue him, but it won’t be easy.”

While Panarin carries an $11+ million cap hit on an expiring contract, a deal could potentially wait until the offseason if both sides are interested.

Other teams, however, could target him as a rental with the hope of signing him long-term.

Friedman suggests the Los Angeles Kings could be a viable option, particularly as they transition post-Kopitar and look for a cornerstone to build around, possibly alongside Quinton Byfield.