Fans Angered As Elliotte Friedman Ponders Artemi Panarin's Future with the Rangers
New York Rangers forward, Artemi Panarin, will be a UFA at the end of the 2026 season, and according to Elliotte Friedman, we could see a split. With NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman's recent comments, it's been cause for concern for Rangers fans who hold a deep love for him and have since gone into a frenzy over the idea.
The New York Rangers are in a precarious spot after a disappointing 2024-25 season. Despite Chris Drury being re-upped (erroneously or not) he holds the keys to the Rangers' future.
A future that may not involve superstar Russian forward Artemi Panarin, according to NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman.
His cryptic message about Breadman's future in the Big Apple has spread like wildfire across the hockey community.
"We'll see here what happens with Artemi Panarin"
As expected, Rangers fans aren't taking the speculation well. As "X" is in a frenzy with Friedman's latest question regarding Panarin's future.
The 33-year-old is a pending UFA, and like other players who were part of the core who made it to the Eastern Conference Finals twice, he may have a chance at an exit in 2026, whether of his own volition or by trade.
In 80 games with the Rangers this season he scored 37 goals, and 89 points. Just a season shy of his 120-point campaign which he scored a total of 49 goals was a part of a Presidents Trophy winning team.
Panarin's $11.6 million cap hit coming off the books would be ideal for Chris Drury as it'd offer him flexibility, allowing him to bring in more talent, should he and Breadman decide to part ways instead of offering an extension.
For now, we can only speculate on what's next.
Previously on NY Hockey Insider
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 12 | 236 ANSWERS Fans Angered As Elliotte Friedman Ponders Artemi Panarin's Future with the Rangers Do you think forward Artemi Panarin of the New York Rangers will test free agency? | ||
| Yes | 158 | 66.9 % |
| No | 78 | 33.1 % |
| List of polls | ||