Edmonton Oilers send heavy scouting presence to rebuilding team

The target of the 16 scouts, though not specified, is more than likely Artemi Panarin. According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, the Rangers have no intention of re-signing the star winger's contract extension.

In fact, multiple reports suggest that the point-producing Panarin has played his last game in a Rangers' uniform, as he continues to be a healthy scratch, likely until the Feb. 4 Olympic roster-freeze.

Artemi is in the final season of a 7-year, $11.6M cap hit deal that includes a no-trade clause. He is without question the number-1 trade-target ahead of the March 6 deadline.

Analyst Chris Johnston reported that Panarin is looking to extend his contract as part of any deal as a way of long-term security, before he'll waive his rights.

Of course, Panarin is probably not the only player that was scouted. the same two Oilers' scouts will be at the second-game of the Rangers-Islanders back-to-back.

Rangers' President and General Manager Chris Drury released a letter on social media confirming the team's plan to retool, writing, '[It] may mean saying goodbye to players who have been around for a long time'.

From Edmonton's perspective, adding Panarin to their lineup will make then one of the favourites to win the Stanley Cup, in my opinion.

He is a player that will make an immediate impact on his new club.

According to reports, the Rangers are looking for a similar return as what the Islanders received for Brock Nelson last year, a 1st-round pick, a third-round pick, and a top prospect, perhaps Howard or Hutson.

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