Rangers at a Crossroads with Artemi Panarin’s Future in Question
The New York Rangers are eager to rebound this season after a disappointing performance last year. The team, which boasted the best record in the NHL just two seasons ago, found itself on the outside looking in during last year’s playoff race. Now, as they gear up for a new campaign, a pivotal decision looms regarding star forward Artemi Panarin, who is entering the final year of his lucrative seven-year, $81.5 million contract.
Panarin’s Status and Performance Expectations
Despite being the Rangers’ top player, insiders Peter Baugh and Vincent Z. Mercogliano note that neither the franchise nor Panarin appears to be in a hurry to negotiate an extension. With Panarin set to become an unrestricted free agent, both parties are acutely aware that his performance will significantly influence future decisions.
“Both the Rangers and Panarin, a pending unrestricted free agent, have a lot riding on his performance this season,” the insiders conveyed. Panarin has consistently led New York in scoring throughout his six years with the team, but the 33-year-old will turn 34 in October. The Rangers are counting on his continued production to remain competitive.
Decision Time for Chris Drury
General manager Chris Drury faces a crucial choice regarding how aggressively he wants to pursue an extension with Panarin before or during the season. Current indications suggest that the team is not rushing into negotiations. As the insiders put it, “Our sense is he’s in no big rush.”
Off-ice issues are also complicating the scenario. In August 2024, Panarin and Madison Square Garden Sports reached a financial settlement with a Rangers employee after an allegation of sexual assault from December 2023, according to reporting on the matter. This could potentially impact team dynamics and Panarin’s standing within the organization.
The Potential Free Agency Landscape
Last season, Panarin showcased his skill with 37 goals and 52 assists, totaling 89 points across 80 games. Should he enter free agency, it’s expected that several teams would vie for his services. The lack of urgency in extending Panarin’s contract can be partly attributed to the impending 2026 free agent class, which includes marquee names like Connor McDavid, Jack Eichel, Kyle Connor, and Kirill Kaprizov.
The Rangers are closely monitoring these developments, particularly the situation surrounding Kaprizov, who recently turned down a substantial contract offer in Minnesota. “If any make it to market or come available via trade, expect Drury to be aggressive,” the insiders noted. Notably, Panarin and Kaprizov share the same agent, Paul Theofanous, which adds another layer to the Rangers’ considerations.
Future Implications for the Rangers
Kaprizov, being younger than Panarin, could provide the Rangers with a competitive edge for years to come. Last season, he recorded 25 goals and 31 assists for 56 points in just 41 games. Despite being eligible for a contract extension since July 1, discussions between Panarin and the Rangers have yet to materialize.
When asked about the potential for talks, Drury remained tight-lipped: “I’m not going to get into private conversations I have with players and agents. They are just that to me: private. But as I said in the past, Artemi is a big piece of our team and our organization. We think the world of him as a player and (are) thrilled he is a Ranger.”
As the Rangers prepare for the upcoming season, the status of Artemi Panarin remains a focal point, with implications that could shape the franchise’s future trajectory.
