The NHL offseason rumor mill is already churning at full speed, and one of the most captivating narratives involves a potential seismic shift for New York Rangers superstar Artemi Panarin. As the Rangers look towards a fresh start under a new coaching regime and navigate pressing contractual decisions, reports have surfaced suggesting the organization might be exploring avenues to trade their dynamic Russian forward. With Panarin entering the final year of his substantial contract, the prospect of acquiring value for him now, rather than risking his departure in free agency, presents a compelling strategic dilemma for the New York front office.

This developing situation has inevitably sparked intense speculation across the league, and one name consistently emerging as a prime suitor is Panarin’s original NHL team: the Chicago Blackhawks. For a Blackhawks franchise deep in a rebuild but eager to surround their young cornerstone, Connor Bedard, with elite offensive talent, the idea of a Panarin reunion is more than just nostalgic—it’s a tantalizing prospect that could dramatically accelerate their return to contention and electrify their fanbase.

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The New York Rangers are reportedly working on facilitating a trade this off-season for Russian forward Artemi Panarin

According to multiple reports, the Rangers may try and move on from forward Artemi Panarin this off-season in hopes for a fresh start next year. Starting out with a new head coach in Mike Sullivan, alongside RFA’s (restricted free agents) in K’Andre Miller and Will Cuylle, Panarin’s in the final year of his contract and may leave the organization in free agency next season.

So why not get value out of a star while you can, before their biggest asset walks in free agency, similar to the Mitch Marner situation in Chicago.

With the salary cap raising to $95.5 million next year, Panarin’s $11.6 million cap hit suddenly does not seem like a big cost.

Artemi Panarin projected to return to the Chicago Blackhawks

David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period unveiled the Rangers’ possible move involving Panarin, and BleacherReport’s recent segment unveiled that a reunion in Chicago could very well be set to take place.

Panarin would directly address the Blackhawks’ dire need to provide offensive support up front for forwards Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar, who are curently leading this young Blackhawks team in their rebuilding phase.

Panarin’s NHL career started in Chicago with the Blackhawks, and while that happened toward the end of their dynastic run, wouldn’t it be fun to see him rejoin Chicago as it gears up to try to return with Connor Bedard?

Chicago tried to speed up the process to get back to the playoffs last summer by surrounding Bedard and other young prospects with veteran players and out of all of them, only Ryan Donato seemed to really work out well. He wound up being their only 30-goal scorer while three other Chicago players had 20-or-more. In short, they need offense badly and Panarin would help address that.

Panarin playing wing alongside Connor Bedard would be a treat for Blackhawks fans, reminiscent of times of the Kane-Panarin duo, which ultimately guided the Blackhawks to an offensive-leading team.

A new head coach, and Artemi Panarin to kick off the 2025-26 season? That would be a treat.