The Seattle Kraken may have been offering over $14 million for Artemi Panarin, well above what the Rangers had been thinking
Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet: There had been some speculation the night before Artemi Panarin was traded to the Los Angeles Kings, that he had an offer somewhere else for $60 million, and it might have come from the Seattle Kraken. That it was for more than $14 million a season.
Pararin signed for two years and $22 million. It wasn’t about the money, he wanted to be in LA. The Rangers wanted him on a short-term deal and at a lower salary cap hit. Panarin:
“I don’t know if I should say this but I feel like the contract offer (said), ‘We’re not sure if we want you or not.’ We talked not much in the beginning before the season starts and then after, obviously, my start of the season was not great. And then probably we talked in the middle of year, but not much.”
NHL Rumors: Rangers, Kings, and the Maple Leafs
Top five trade candidates for the Chicago Blackhawks
Scott Powers, Mark Lazerus and Chris Johnston of The Athletic: The Chicago Blackhawks do have a few pending UFAs that they could move at the trade deadline. A look at the top five trade candidates for the Chicago Blackhawks.
1. Connor Murphy – RHD – Pending UFA at a $4.4 million cap hit – They don’t need to move him, and he could remain if they feel like some of their young D aren’t ready yet. He may want a shot at a Cup, and he does have value, maybe a second or third-round pick. Dallas, Buffalo, Ottawa, San Jose, Pittsburgh, Boston and Detroit would make sense.
2. Jason Dickinson – C – Pending UFA at a $4.25 million cap hit – Could be a solid third or fourth-line center for a playoff team. Consistent defensively. A second-round pick may be too high. Maybe Minnesota or Vegas would be interested.
3. Ilya Mikheyev – RW/LW – Pending UFA at a $4.0375 million cap hit – Kills penalties and provides some offense. Maybe a second or third-round pick. Montreal or Carolina could be fits.
4. Matt Grzelcyk – LHD – Pending UFA at a $1 million cap hit – They could keep him as his return may not be much, but a move would be more about creating the roster spot. A low cap may interest some who might need some power play help. He’s reliable at even strength.
5. Nick Foligno – LW/RW – Pending UFA at a $4.5 million cap hit – The captain may want a shot at the Cup. The Blackhawks would likely have to retain salary for the fourth liner and the return wouldn’t be much. Brings character and intangibles.
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