The New York Rangers have made a surprising roster decision, holding Artemi Panarin out of the lineup, which strongly suggests that a trade involving the star winger is imminent. The Rangers have communicated to Panarin that they will not be offering him a contract extension, making it likely he will be moved before the March 6 trade deadline.

According to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, Panarin will not dress for the Rangers until after the Olympic roster freeze on February 4. The team is taking precautions to protect their asset while General Manager Chris Drury seeks a trade partner. The Rangers are reportedly looking for a return similar to what the New York Islanders received when they traded Brock Nelson to the Colorado Avalanche last season, which included a first-round pick, a third-round pick, and a top prospect.

Several teams are rumored to be interested in acquiring Panarin, including the Carolina Hurricanes, Colorado Avalanche, Washington Capitals, and Dallas Stars. The Edmonton Oilers have also been mentioned as a potential suitor.

Panarin has been the Rangers' leading scorer since joining the team in 2019, recording 57 points (19 goals, 38 assists) in 52 games this season. However, the Rangers are currently last in the Metro Division with a 22-25-6 record. In a letter to fans earlier this month, Drury indicated that the team would be retooling its roster with a focus on acquiring young players, draft picks, and cap space.

While Panarin has been a consistent offensive force for the Rangers, some have criticized his performance in the playoffs. Despite this, his overall contributions to the team have been significant, with 205 goals and 607 points in 482 games since 2019.

The Rangers' decision to hold Panarin out of the lineup is a clear indication that they are serious about trading him. With the trade deadline approaching, it remains to be seen where the star winger will end up, but several teams are expected to be in the mix. The Rangers are aiming to acquire valuable assets in return, as they look to retool their roster for the future.

It is believed that the Rangers have asked Panarin to provide a list of teams he would be willing to join, due to the no-movement clause in his contract. This gives Panarin control over his destination, but also suggests that the Rangers are working to facilitate a trade that works for both the player and the team. The next few weeks will be critical as the Rangers work to finalize a deal before the trade deadline.