The future of the New York Rangers top forward Artemi Panarin has been and will continue to be a question mark as the 33 year old Russian enters the final season of his current $11.6 million contract.
Artemi led the Rangers in production last year in what was a letdown of a season for New York missing out on postseason play. Nevertheless, Panarin paced the squad with 37 goals and 52 assists for 89 points in 80 games. Like most of his teammates, however, this was a steep regression from his totals the prior season in which he was one of the top players in the NHL with 120 points.
Panarin has consistently been a top performer ever since he joined the Rangers organization in 2019. Over the course of his 6 year stint in New York, the “Bread Man” has amassed 186 goals and 364 assists for 550 points in 430 regular season games. In the playoffs, he has totaled a less impressive 12 goals and 23 assists in 46 games.
What is the latest on Panarin?
Depending on how this upcoming season goes, Panarin’s time in New York with the Rangers may be coming to a close. Insider David Pagnotta wonders if the Rangers deal Panarin if things stay “status quo” in New York this season. Presumably, this means both Panarin and the Rangers need to see progression this year if the two sides are to reach a contract extension. Another anticlimactic season won’t be tolerated.
A Panarin exodus from New York would continue a trend of drastic change in New York over the past year. Rangers vets such as Jacob Trouba and Chris Kreider have also been dealt as the team undergoes a transition in identity looking to get back on track. We’ll see if New York decides if Panarin is a part of their long term solution or if a change in scenery is needed for both sides.
