Insider Points to Artemi Panarin as Possible Trade Piece, and the Leafs Can't Ignore It

With a lot of the discussion around the Toronto Maple Leafs and who they may bring in to beef up their top-six for the 2025-26 season, and being linked to some top names doesn't make the speculation any less quieter.

Brad Treliving is under a lot of pressure to make sure he has enough firepower to withstand the likes of Florida and Tampa Bay in the postseason, and though they don't have a ton of great assets; with some creativity and sacrifice they can get it done.

One name who might end up interesting them is New York Rangers forward Artemi Panarin. The 'Breadman' has had his name thrown about in trade rumors over the last year or so as New York switches gears, though nothing has happened yet.

Though according to NHL Insider David Pagnotta, the Rangers might be willing to move him still as his future is in doubt, especially if the team gets off to a less than stellar start:

With the Rangers in a bit of an unwon period, and already dealing away a lot of their veterans and long-term players, if Panarin is on the move; can Toronto swoop in?

Brad Treliving will have his eyes peeled for how the first couple of months turn out in the standings for New York, and with Washington, Carolina, New Jersey, and even Columbus able to outpower the Rangers; they may be in big trouble.

So if they decide to wave the white flag, then Toronto needs to get all over it, and while he may cost a fair bit ($11.6-million left on his deal) he will be a free agent next season and the Leafs don't need to hold onto him, especially if he's not a perfect fit.

It'll be really difficult however to open up that amount of space without dealing a contract like Morgan Rielly's, or if they can somehow convince New York to take a package involving David Kampf, Max Domi, and someone like Brandon Carlo; the trio make a total of $9.5-million so there's a way to figure it out.

Adding Panarin would be a great move for Treliving, as you're adding a player with 870 points in 752 games, and is only one season removed from an astounding 120-point season (49 goals, 71 assists). He also has 61 points in 73 playoff contests.

But adding him won't come easy, and won't come cheap. But sometimes you need to spend a lot to accomplish a lot, and Toronto's never shy about making the big gamble.