The NHL trade chatter reached a fever pitch this morning as Insider Elliotte Friedman dropped a bombshell report linking New York Rangers superstar Artemi Panarin to the Anaheim Ducks. While seeing “The Breadman” in a Ducks jersey might seem surreal at first glance, the logic—and the specific trade parameters being discussed—makes too much sense to ignore.
According to Friedman, the Rangers have set a clear price tag. They are looking for a return comparable to what the New York Islanders received last season when they sent Brock Nelson to the Colorado Avalanche. For those needing a refresher, that haul included defenseman Oliver Kylington, blue-chip prospect Calum Ritchie, a conditional 2026 first-round pick, and a 2028 third-rounder.
This isn’t just about assets, though. It’s about fit. Friedman cites Panarin’s history with current Ducks head coach Joel Quenneville from their days with the Chicago Blackhawks as a major driving force. Quenneville knows exactly how to deploy Panarin, and the Ducks are desperate for that electric, game-breaking talent to accelerate their timeline.
The “Brock Nelson Standard”: What the Rangers Expect in Return
If the Nelson trade is the blueprint, the Rangers are clearly looking to retool on the fly rather than rebuild. They want immediate defensive help and a high-end prospect who isn’t far from the NHL.
Based on the “Nelson Standard,” here is the projected trade package the Ducks would need to offer to land Panarin:
- To New York Rangers: D Tristan Luneau, F Roger McQueen, Conditional 2026 1st Round Pick, 2028 3rd Round Pick
- To Anaheim Ducks: Artemi Panarin
Why This Works for the Rangers: Getting Tristan Luneau would be a massive win for New York. He fits the “Oliver Kylington” mold of a smooth-skating, right-shot defenseman who can transition the puck effectively—something the Rangers’ blue line desperately needs. Pairing him with a prospect like Roger McQueen (drafted 10th overall in 2025) gives the Rangers a 6’5″ center with elite hands to build around for the next decade. It matches the “Calum Ritchie” value perfectly.
Why This Works for the Ducks: Anaheim has accumulated a mountain of prospects, but eventually, you have to cash some chips in to win. Reuniting Panarin with Quenneville gives the Ducks an instant identity. Panarin’s playmaking ability would unlock the full potential of Anaheim’s young snipers, turning them from a “promising team” into a legitimate threat in the Pacific Division overnight.
This is a steep price, but superstars of Panarin’s caliber rarely hit the trade market. If the Ducks are serious about contending, this is the move that puts the league on notice.
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