According to multiple sources, the Kings’ Panarin pursuit almost fell apart over the last couple of days. From the beginning, they were nervous about term on an extension for the 34-year-old winger. But the two sides were discussing something in the $45 million range. (My guess is five years at a $9 million AAV, but don’t know that for sure.)

On Tuesday, that fell apart. Los Angeles wasn’t willing to go there. Panarin’s agent, Paul Theofanous (who could not be reached for comment) contacted several teams to juice the bidding. Only he knows what he really told people, but word spread like wildfire that he’d indicated Panarin was going to Carolina and someone else was willing to pay $60 million (a four-year contract with a $15 million AAV).

All of this was denied by anyone we asked (for good reason, as it turned out) but it certainly created a couple hours of craziness. Everyone heard the same rumours, and no one could figure out what was happening.

One major suspect for the big bidder: Seattle, who beat the Kings Wednesday night and are third in the Pacific. Several sources indicated the Kraken offered a four-year extension “with an AAV higher than Leon Draisaitl’s.” The Edmonton cornerstone is at $14 million. That’s … just wow … but I’m not surprised they’d do it. It’s bold and it fits what they’re looking to do.

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