Forward Artemi Panarin is off the trade market and the free agent market.
The New York Rangers traded Panarin on Wednesday. Feb. 4 to the Los Angeles Kings, who signed the high-scoring winger to a two-year contract extension averaging $11 million a year. The Rangers received prospect forward Liam Greentree and conditional third- (2026) and fourth-round (2028) picks.
Panarin, 34, was the latest player to come off a list of what had been an impressive unrestricted free agent class. Kirill Kaprizov signed a record extension and has been joined by Connor McDavid, Jack Eichel, Kyle Connor, Martin Necas and Adrian Kempe.
Here are some of the top remaining pending unrestricted free agents:
Top remaining free agents
10. Anders Lee, New York Islanders
He has been the Islanders’ captain since 2018 and is good for 20-plus goals. He had 29 last season. Current cap hit: $7 million.
9. Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals
The NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer is 40. He’ll either re-sign with Washington or retire. He hasn’t indicated his plans. Current cap hit: $9 million.
8. Kiefer Sherwood, San Jose Sharks
He was the runaway leader in hits last season and is in second place this season. He also has 17 goals and was traded by the Canucks this season. Current cap hit: $1.5 million
7. John Carlson, Washington Capitals
Carlson is the Capitals’ all-time leader in scoring among defensemen and is a key to their power play. He’s the one who sets up Ovechkin’s one-timers. Current cap hit: $8 million.
6. Sergei Bobrovsky, Florida Panthers
The goalie has won back-to-back Stanley Cup titles and two Vezina Trophies. He’ll be 38 next season. Current cap hit: $10 million.
5. Evgeni Malkin, Pittsburgh Penguins
The 39-year-old has expressed an interest in playing more and he’s making a case with 43 points in his first 40 games. He missed some time with an injury but has won three Stanley Cup titles in his storied career. Current cap hit: $6.1 million.
4. Darren Raddysh, Tampa Bay Lightning
The defenseman is having a breakout season with 17 goals and 51 points while filling in during Victor Hedman’s two injuries. Current cap hit: $975,000.
3. Rasmus Andersson, Vegas Golden Knights
The defenseman was traded to the Golden Knights this season by the Flames. He can provide offense with a 50- and a 49-point season. Current cap hit: $4.55 million.
2. Nick Schmaltz, Utah Mammoth
The forward keeps improving every year. The winger usually gets 20-plus goals and 60-plus points, and he’s already at 22 goals and 51 points this season. Current cap hit: $5.85 million.
1. Alex Tuch, Buffalo Sabres
The forward can score (two 36-goal seasons) and also kills penalties. He wants to stay in Buffalo and new general manager Jarmo Kekalainen wants to keep him. Current cap hit: $4.75 million.
