Artemi Panarin's time in New York is over: Elliotte Friedman confirms the Rangers are working on a trade
Photo credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
Breaking news has just hit the New York Rangers, as many insiders have confirmed Artemi Panarin won't be offered a contract extension, and a trade of Panarin's choice will be happening.
The Rangers made their direction official Friday, with Drury telling fans the plan is a retool, not a full rebuild. That alone changes how every veteran conversation feels.
Mollie Walker reported the whole team knew the letter was coming, and there was another leadership-group meeting before it went public. She also reported Panarin had an individual meeting with Drury, per source.
However, just moments ago, Elliotte Friedman dropped the real bomb, writing that Panarin was informed he will not be offered an extension, and that Drury is prepared to work with Panarin and agent Paul Theofanous to trade him anywhere he wants to go.
"According to several sources, before releasing the letter, Drury met individually with members of the leadership group and addressed the team as a whole. As part of this retool process, Artemi Panarin was informed that he will not be offered a contract extension, and that Drury was prepared to work with him and agent Paul Theofanous to trade the winger anywhere he wishes to go."
Artemi Panarin's time with the New York Rangers is over
This is the kind of clarity that hurts, but it's better than limbo. Panarin is still a driver, not a passenger, with 16 goals and roughly 50 points in 2025-26.
The leverage is his, too, because Panarin has a full no-move clause, and his $11.64 million cap hit runs through the end of this season. Any trade is going to be on his timeline and his list.
On the ice, moving Panarin would rip out the Rangers' best half-wall creator and cleanest east-west passer, especially on the power play. It would also force the Rangers to play a simpler, heavier five-man game at even strength.
That's the uncomfortable truth of a retool, you might lose a star to build a roster that fits together better. Now lets just hope Chris Drury can get a solid return for the 32-year old winger.
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