Hockey analyst Pierre McGuire sees Detroit Red Wings as ideal destination for Artemi Panarin for trade

Since New York Rangers GM Chris Drury announced last week that they wouldn’t be extending a contract extension to star forward Artemi Panarin, fans and critics have been left wondering where his next destination would be. The Russian Winger has remained one of the biggest names in hockey in recent years.

But while multiple teams have emerged as potential candidates for a sweepstakes, one team has gotten a bit more attention. The Detroit Red Wings have been a strong side this season, and one veteran analyst believes that the “Original Six” is the right fit for the Russian winger.

Red Wings under new head coach Todd McLellan could use someone like Artemi Panarin

The Red Wings sit atop the Atlantic Division with a 28-15-4 record and 60 points through 47 games, positioning themselves for their first playoff appearance since 2016. This fact wasn’t lost to Pierre McGuire. The veteran analyst believes that McLellan is building something special.

He also believes that Panarin can be very helpful for what McLellan is building. Speaking on the latest episode of The Sheet with Jeff Marek, McGuire made a compelling case for why the Red Wings should pursue the 34-year-old pending unrestricted free agent.

McGuire pointed to Detroit's transformation under first-year head coach Todd McLellan as a primary factor in the potential fit. "I think what they've done so far with this team and with Todd McLellan there, I think they've amped it up," McGuire said.

He continued, "Detroit's got to make the playoffs. I know they're a really, really important franchise in the league. " Detroit has assembled a roster capable of competing now while maintaining long-term flexibility.

The veteran analyst believes that several key elements add up to make the Red Wings a great option for the Russian Winger. For one, the defensive pairing of Moritz Seider and Simon Edvinsson has made them a side to be reckoned with this season.

You add to that the duo of Lucas Raymond and Alex DeBrincat, who both have scored 50+ points this season, and you have a solid offense. Captain Dylan Larkin has given some additional depth to the side, while the presence of Patrick Kane brings much-needed veteran experience to the team.

Panarin’s chemistry with Kane during their days playing for the Chicago Blackhawks back in the 2016-17 season helped the winger win the Calder Trophy in his rookie year. So the opportunity to play with again as part of a playoff contender might make Detroit an attractive option for Panarin.

Panarin has posted 54 points in 48 games this season despite the Rangers struggling near the bottom of the Metropolitan Division. He carries an $11.64 million cap hit and will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. With that in mind and the March 6 deadline approaching, Detroit remains a serious contender.


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