The New York Rangers face a pivotal decision with superstar winger Artemi Panarin.
Panarin, 34 in October, has been the catalyst behind the Rangers’ scoring since joining the franchise for the 2019-20 season. During that period, he has 186 goals and 550 points in 430 games. That includes a 37-goal, 89-point effort over 80 games in 2024-25.
The problem with Panarin, however, is his heavy cap hit and expiring deal. He has just one year left at over $11.6 million, and his age does not align with a New York at a crossroads.
Here is what NHL Insider Frank Seravalli had to say about Panarin:
“A bit of a question would be what happens with Artemi Panarin moving forward; I’d have to think there’s a way to work out a new deal for the ‘Breadman.’”
Even if they can work out a new deal, should they?
Perhaps general manager Chris Drury, feeling the pressure from the fan base, the media, and owner James Dolan, opts for a retool instead of a rebuild. Either way, shipping Panarin (likely to a fringe contender in need of another star up front) should result in a picks or prospects haul.
A team like the Los Angeles Kings could make sense. They have fallen to the Edmonton Oilers in each of their last four first-round matchups, and while they would need to move some money around for Panarin, he is the type of game-breaking scorer that could help them get past their rivals.
The Rangers have already dealt cornerstones such as Jacob Trouba and Chris Kreider, and moving Panarin, along with possibly Mika Zibanejad, Vincent Trocheck, or J.T. Miller, would hurt for a few years but ultimately help the franchise in the long run.
New York has a solid roster, but not one that can compete right now. Losing Panarin for nothing next offseason is a risk they can not take.
