Maple Leafs reportedly showing interest in Artemi Panarin as a new franchise plan takes shape

In an unexpected revelation, the Toronto Maple Leafs have emerged as a potential suitor for New York Rangers star forward Artemi Panarin.

Panarin has been held out by the Rangers as they look for a trade partner to deal out the 34-year-old who appears to have played his final game with New York, but may not be dealt until the NHL resumes following the upcoming Olympics break.

A recent report from NHL Network insider Kevin Weekes indicated that the Toronto Maple Leafs are a team that have been looking at Panarin, one of 14 teams with interest in the Rangers forward.

Among the additional teams include teams mostly in the Western Conference, with the Leafs the only named team from the Atlantic Division. The New York Islanders are another team linked with their direct rival.

The Islanders did recently complete a deal with the Rangers bring in Carson Soucy, so it's possible they do more business in the near future.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have interest in Artemi Panarin, but would have to be able to prove themselves to be a team that can be in the hunt, one with multiple times.

The Leafs face the difficulty of competing with teams that may have more in prospects and draft picks. With the Rangers seemingly in a short-term rebuild with their biggest issue being injuries, New York may want more "win-now" NHL options, which may start and end with Easton Cowan.

The Leafs would likely have to pay more than just Cowan, at least one roster player to balance Panarin's contract of just over $11.5M.

There is also the problem over the Leafs place in the standings. Toronto is last in the Atlantic, no better than the Rangers. New York would likely only deal Panarin to a surefire contender and it's highly unlikely he wishes to go through a retool/rebuild.

Toronto would only have to give up an offer that involves at least Cowan and a player in return, more may be needed, and in terms of picks, their best value is a 2027 2nd and a 2028 1st.

There's no indication that the Leafs interest in Panarin is nothing more than just explanatory, because it would take a haul for Toronto to be able to acquire Panarin in any trade, even as a rental.

Also read on Hockey Patrol :
Someone close to Craig Berube explained what exactly happened in his mysterious gym accident