The New York Rangers had a disappointing season last year and had lofty goals this season.
After failing to make the playoffs last season, the goal for the Rangers was to return to the playoffs and go on a deep playoff run. However, New York will have some major decisions to make this year and into the offseason.
One of the big questions is the future of Artemi Panarin, who’s in the final year of his seven-year, $81.5 million deal. Although Panarin is a key player for the Rangers, NHL insider Matt Larkin of DailyFaceoff expects New York to trade the Russian this season.
“I think it’s Artemi Panarin,” Larkin wrote of who will be the biggest name player traded this year. “The fit between him and the New York Rangers no longer makes sense long-term unless he takes a team-friendly discount, which I don’t expect him to do. The Blueshirts are coming off a playoff miss. While Mike Sullivan is a great get behind the bench, their roster actively got worse over the summer.
“I envision New York missing the playoffs again, and GM Chris Drury could move ‘The Bread Man’ to a contender before the Trade Deadline as a rental for a nice haul of picks and/or prospects. Then the Rangers can prepare to spend big on the class of 2026 with more than $11 million of Panarin money coming off the books.”
If the Rangers trade Larkin, it would be a stunning move. But, depending on what New York can get in return, the Rangers could use those assets to get players to better fit their team or players under more team control.
Panthers Could Show Interest in Panarin
If Panarin is indeed available, one surprise Eastern Conference team could be interested in him.
NHL insider James Mirtle of The Athletic believes the Florida Panthers could show trade interest in Panarin if he is made available.
“After injuries to Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk, there are real doubts about the Panthers’ ability to three-peat right now,” Mirtle wrote. “But Barkov’s absence could open up as much as $10 million in cap room if he misses the whole year. More than enough for Bill Zito to get creative and land a big fish before the deadline. How about Artemi Panarin, if the Rangers’ season goes sideways? Or even Sidney Crosby, should he decide to leave Pittsburgh? Whatever big name is available, expect Florida to be at the front of the line.”
Panarin being traded to the Panthers would be a stunning move, but perhaps the Russian does get dealt this year.
The 33-year-old recorded 37 goals and 52 assists for 89 points in 80 games last season.
Panarin Not Talking Contract Extension
Although Panarin is entering the final year of his deal, he said he isn’t focusing on or talking about his contract status.
Panarin said his focus is just on hockey and not on what his future may hold with the Rangers.
“That’s obviously good for everyone to feel that security, but I’m not in my first year in hockey so I’m used to being in those situations, not every year but it is what it is right now,” Panarin said. “I’m not complaining right now. I’m ready to work hard.”
Rangers general manager Chris Drury, meanwhile, said he also won’t be commenting about Panarin’s contract status.
“I’ve said many times on record what I think of him as a player,” Drury said. “He’s a huge piece of our team and our organization. He does not appear to me to be slowing down, he takes his offseason seriously. He looks like he’s in great shape and ready to go. As far as the contract stuff, I’ve also said on record that I don’t talk about negotiations publicly. Any conversations I have with Artemi or his representation will stay that way, just private.”
The Rangers are off to a 2-2 start.
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