The San Jose Sharks look to take advantage of the market to enhance their team as they gear up for a hopeful playoff run.
According to San Jose Hockey Now, the Sharks have shown interest in winger Artemi Panarin, who will be an unrestricted free agent after this season.
Apparently the feeling is mutual. Sheng Peng of San Jose Hockey Now reported that Panarin would be interested in signing a contract extension with the Sharks.
Panarin is being held out of the lineup by the New York Rangers as they explore a trade and is not expected to play before the Olympic break. The retooling Rangers said they wouldn't be offering him an extension. Panarin, who has a no-movement clause, is reportedly exploring an extension as part of a trade.
TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun said some teams view Panarin as a "rental but aren't ready to get into a big extension" while other teams believe the opposite.
"Have the Sharks talked to them? Yes," LeBrun said. "My understanding is the Sharks had a discussion with the Rangers. We know (Sharks general manager) Mike Grier and (Rangers general manager and president) Chris Drury have the history, (they) worked together in New York."
However, a skeptical LeBrun shut down rumors of a potential Sharks play for Panarin, due to their recent signings including re-signing 31-year-old forward Alexander Wennberg to a three-year contract worth $18 million on Jan. 4.
"But beyond that conversation, I'm not sure how serious San Jose wants to be here," LeBrun said. "You know, they just traded for (Kiefer) Sherwood. They just signed Wennberg. So I wouldn't have San Jose as a front-runner right now. We'll see."
The 34-year-old has accounted for 19 goals and 57 points in 52 games played.
Panarin, a two-time NHL First-Team All-Star, has played 11 seasons in the NHL for the Chicago Blackhawks, Columbus Blue Jackets and Rangers. He tallied 321 goals and 927 points in 804 career games.
The Sharks recently sent waves throughout the league when they completed a trade for Sherwood, sending Cole Clayton and two second-round picks to the Vancouver Canucks.
San Jose holds the final wild card spot in the Western Conference after finishing last overall the past two seasons.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Artemi Panarin trade rumors: Will San Jose Sharks bite?