Artemi Panarin on the move!

On Wednesday, a few hours prior to the roster freeze across the NHL, Cam Robinson is reporting that we are very close to a Artemi Panarin trade that will get done before the deadline at 3ETpm this afternoon.

A league-wide transaction freeze goes into effect at 3 p.m. ET on Wednesday as the NHL pauses for the upcoming Olympic break. The New York Rangers were actively working the phones from Tuesday night into Wednesday morning in an effort to move the Russian forward.

The veteran would prefer to be traded only to a team with which he has already agreed on the framework of a contract extension. The Florida Panthers have frequently surfaced in Panarin-related rumors, along with the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Washington Capitals, who have reportedly made him an offer.

Teams are circling and conversations are ongoing, but Panarin has no interest in being a short-term rental. Still, his $11.6-million cap hit, full no-movement clause, and pending unrestricted free-agent status, Panarin would prefer getting traded and signing an extension on the spot with his new team.

Insider Chris Johnston has reported that at least one team has already put a $40-million offer on the table. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman believes the real target number is closer to $50 million.

Team insider Vincent Z. Mercogliano added to the ongoing reports that Panarin is indeed on the move: "It sounds like multiple teams still believe they're in it, with Panarin's camp hoping someone will blink and up their contract offer."

This has to get done in the next few hours. Remember: no trades can occur after 3pm ET today, and the NHL will undergo a roster freeze until February 22nd at 11:59pm ET.

Next update should come with the details of the official trade and destination.