Report: Capitals interested in Panarin

The Washington Capitals are among the teams interested in trading for New York Rangers winger Artemi Panarin, reports TSN's Pierre LeBrun.

Panarin has potentially played his final game with the Rangers, as the club is reportedly holding him out of the lineup for roster management reasons.

The 34-year-old is a pending unrestricted free agent and his contract includes a full no-movement clause. Panarin is reportedly seeking an extension as part of any trade.

The Capitals, who enter Thursday six points out of a playoff spot, would be a good fit to acquire and extend Panarin, LeBrun adds. Washington also has $14 million in deadline cap space this season and $36.5 million in projected cap space this summer.

Panarin's contract contains an $11.6-million cap hit, though the Rangers could retain 50% in a potential deal.

Panarin's camp has also reached out to the Anaheim Ducks, Los Angeles Kings, and San Jose Sharks, LeBrun adds. While Panarin has a relationship with Ducks head coach Joel Quenneville from their time together with the Chicago Blackhawks, Anaheim is reportedly out because they're not interested in an extension at the moment. The Kings and Sharks spoke to the Rangers, but neither team is reportedly believed to be a front-runner.

The Carolina Hurricanes have also discussed the idea of making a push for Panarin, sources told LeBrun.

Panarin has recorded 19 goals and 38 assists in 52 games with the Rangers this season. His 927 career points are the fifth-most in the NHL since entering the league in 2015-16, trailing only Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Nathan MacKinnon, and Nikita Kucherov.