The New York Rangers' handling of Artemi Panarin has made it increasingly clear that a major decision is imminent as the Olympic break and trade deadline approach. The Rangers have three games remaining before that freeze, but the organization has opted to protect what is widely considered their most valuable trade asset. Panarin has made it clear that he wants a contract extension agreed to before he waives his clause and approves any trade, according to TSN and NHL insider Chris Johnston. Carolina's combination of available cap space, draft resources, and recent history of pursuing high-caliber offensive talent makes it a logical landing spot. The Washington Capitals have been floated as a more speculative option, with substantial projected cap space but several internal roster decisions still unresolved.