The latest on Rangers winger Artemi Panarin, plus updates on the Canucks and Canadiens in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

PANARIN NOT RULING OUT RETURNING TO RUSSIA

NEW YORK POST: Mollie Walker recently reported that Rangers winger Artemi Panarin did not shoot down recent speculation suggesting he might return to Russia after this season.

Panarin, 34, is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent next summer. He’s in the final season of a seven-year contract with an average annual value of $11.6 million.

New York Rangers winger Artemi Panarin (NHL Images).

“I mean, you never know,” Panarin said when asked about the RG.Org report. “Hard to say right now. It’s a very hard question, to be honest. I can’t comment on the side of life, you never know what’s happening.”

Walker noted that Panarin’s age means the Rangers won’t want to commit to a long-term deal, and Panarin won’t accept a significant pay cut on what would become his last contract. She believes a significant portion of this decision will depend on how the rest of this season unfolds for the Rangers.

If they’re out of a playoff spot by the March 6 trade deadline, general manager Chris Drury could look at Panarin’s value in the trade market. If they remain in contention, Drury will likely retain the playmaking winger for the postseason.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Panarin’s status will remain a topic of interest in this season’s rumor mill. There’s also no certainty that he’ll return to Russia if he doesn’t sign an extension with the Rangers.

Panarin could become the top player in next summer’s UFA market. He could end up on a short-term deal for roughly the same AAV as his current contract with another club.

THE LATEST CANUCKS SPECULATION

THE PROVINCE: Ben Kuzma reports the Boston Bruins have reportedly shown an interest in Vancouver Canucks winger Conor Garland and superstar defenseman Quinn Hughes. They’re also among at least eight teams that have kicked tires on UFA-eligible winger Kiefer Sherwood.

Kuzma believes the Philadelphia Flyers could also look into Garland’s availability, citing the latter’s closeness with Flyers coach (and former Canucks bench boss) Rick Tocchet.

Garland’s six-year contract extension begins on July 1, when his AAV will rise to $6 million and he’ll have a full no-movement clause. However, Kuzma believes the biggest hurdle would be the Canucks’ asking price. They want younger, established NHL players in return.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported the Canucks were fielding offers for UFA-eligible players and those with less than two years remaining on their contracts. That would rule out Garland, but we can’t dismiss the possibility that he’ll be moved before next July if someone is willing to make a significant offer.

TEAMS CALLING ABOUT CANADIENS DEFENSEMAN KAIDEN GUHLE

RG.ORG: Marco D’Amico reports teams have contacted the Montreal Canadiens about Kaiden Guhle. The oft-injured 23-year-old defenseman is in the first season of a six-year contract with an AAV of $5.5 million, and lacks no-trade protection until 2029-30.

Despite his injury history, Guhle has drawn interest from rival clubs in multiple offseasons. However, the Canadiens aren’t parting with him because of his physicality, mobility, and defensive value.

The Canadiens could move a defenseman for a high-end top-six forward. D’Amico believes Arber Xhekaj, Jayden Struble, and Adam Engstrom could become trade candidates as their blueline depth grows, pointing out that those three have drawn interest from different clubs. Alexandre Carrier could also become a trade chip once David Reinbacher is ready to move up into the Canadiens’ lineup.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: D’Amico noted that the Canadiens aren’t in a rush to move out any of those defensemen. Nevertheless, he didn’t rule out the possibility of one of them getting traded if they get an offer of a top-six forward.