Contract negotiations between the New York Rangers and Artemi Panarin are at a standstill at the moment. The star forward is currently in the final year of his massive seven-year, $81.5 million deal. His $11.6 million AAV remains the largest annual salary on the team.
Both sides seemingly want the relationship to continue. Nevertheless, it was reported in October that the Rangers were in no hurry to tie down Panarin to a contract extension. This ultimately comes down to the exact length of a potential deal between the two sides. After all, Panarin is now 34 and perhaps past his prime.
Nick Kypreos is now claiming that the financial terms are also an issue with New York. According to the Sportsnet analyst, Panarin is unwilling to take a pay cut from his significant salary. Because of this, the Rangers have essentially shut down negotiations for now. It seems as if New York is hoping for a discount to keep the star in the Big Apple.
New York Rangers Likely to Trade Artemi Panarin if Struggles Continue
GettyBoth Artemi Panarin and the Rangers are struggling this season.
Besides the future, Panarin’s place with the Rangers in the current campaign is also up in the air. New York has struggled out of the gate so far this season, including currently being winless at home in six games. The latest demoralizing defeat at Madison Square Garden came at the hands of the injury-riddled Carolina Hurricanes on November 4. Overall, the Rangers have just 14 points in as many matchups this season.
Following the defeat to Carolina, The Athletic’s Peter Baugh specifically picked out Panarin’s struggles on the ice. “Speaking of Panarin, he has zero points in his past six games,” wrote the reporter. “He has only seven points in 13 games on the year, and four of those came in one game against the Montreal Canadiens. Hunting for offense at home, the Rangers need more from him.”
Panarin’s recent troubles also surely factor in with New York’s decision to be patient regarding contract negotiations. If the star was playing up to his typical standards, the Rangers would likely be in more of a hurry to lock him down to a new deal.
Contending Teams Would Still Line Up for Veteran Star
Despite his downturn in productivity, contending playoff teams will still be interested in trading for Panarin. After all, the forward racked up 120 points just two seasons ago and finished fifth in the MVP race.
The Russian has also proved throughout his career to be a top performer come playoff time. He has 61 points in 73 total Stanley Cup playoff games. This includes 15 total points in 16 matchups just last year.
Although it is still early in the season, teams are already being linked with a possible move for Panarin. NHL expert Frank Seravalli recently claimed that the winger would be a great fit with the Hurricanes. The aforementioned Kypreos has also thrown the Minnesota Wild as potential Panarin suitors. Elliotte Friedman has suggested that Anaheim Ducks GM Pat Verbeek may want to make a big move as well.
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