Artemi Panarin Could Soon Dominate Trade Headlines, Insider Teases When That Might Happen

There was a report earlier that the New York Rangers might be entertaining a trade for Artemi Panarin after going through an identity change of their own by trading away long-time players like Jacob Trouba and Chris Kreider and could deal veteran Mika Zibanejad as well.

Teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs could certainly use someone like Panarin on their top six, though it would certainly cost a lot in terms of assets and cap space but if they truly want to replace Mitch Marner, it may be necessary to spend.

However, if the Rangers are throwing in the white towel early on this season, it could work out in the Leafs' benefit, and according to NHL Insider David Pagnotta; Panarin is going to be at the forefront.

Speaking on the Campbell vs. Gallo Podcast, Pagnotta revealed his belief that if the Rangers were to struggle early on, that Panarin is going to dominate rumors for the rest of the season:

With the Rangers stuck spinning their wheels in a Metropolitan Division that is heavily dominated by the New Jersey Devils, Carolina Hurricanes, and Washington Capitals. Columbus is certainly a team who can compete and push the Rangers down the standings, and the rival Islanders are certainly a wild card.

But would a Panarin trade be right for the Maple Leafs?

If the Rangers are surely going to falter this season (and there's signs pointing that this will be the case) then Toronto needs to pick the bones and take what they can get whether it be Panarin, Zibanejad, or even Brady Skjei.

But in terms of Panarin, he would instantly give Auston Matthews the Mitch Marner replacement he deserves and also add someone who averages nearly 60 assists for his career plus can add 20-30 goals.

If the time to strike is now, especially as Florida deals with a season-long Matthew Tkachuk issue, it would make Toronto the instant favorite in the Atlantic, and with Panarin's playoff experience (61 points in 73 games) he could be the postseason x-factor.

Does it involve trading someone like Ben Danford or Easton Cowan? Potentially, and it's going to be another case of Toronto mortgaging their future for immediate success, but they have never really brought in a superstar for a playoff run, it was always depth.

But the depth has been solved, and the team has a star power hole to fill; one that Artemi Panarin would fit perfectly in.