NHL Insider Breaks Down The New York Rangers Big Dilemma About Artemi Panarin's Next Contract
The New York Rangers face an ever-changing outlook in the NHL, as the face-lift mandated by GM Chris Drury could hit a stumbling block. That could come to head, as the team makes a final decision on what to do with forward Artemi Panarin.
The New York Rangers didn't make much of a splash this postseason, other than signing Vladislav Gavrikov and trading K'Andre Miller; their signings can be considered negligible.
While re-signing Adam Edstrom and Matt Rempe were solid choices, they have bigger decisions in the future.
That could involve former 120-point winger and 40+ goal scorer Artemi Panarin. The Russian superstar consumes a substantial amount of the cap space in New York and has a full no-movement clause attached to his deal.
He'll be a free agent at the end of the 2025-26 season. So, how should they approach the quandary of Panarin?
Re-sign?
The New York Rangers would miss out on a significant chunk of production should they fail to re-sign forward Artemi Panarin. This season, the forward produced 89 points (37-52) in 80 games.
Earlier in the month, Drury wouldn't comment on negotiations or discussions of an extension with Panarin's camp, which has us pondering what the next move will be.
Considering his recent controversies in New York, with the team having to pay out an MSG employee, they could be seriously considering the pros and cons of bringing him back. At the same time, more firepower could be available in 2026.
Salary and term will be the major factors in bringing him back. Should he try and force his hand, they could end up trading him.
Trade?
With a full no-movement clause, the Rangers would have a difficult time trying to move him to a new team. He'd have to sign off on the deal before it is finalized, along with the fact that he could very well say "no" to any trade that manifests.
They could move him at the trade deadline, but will have to find the right contender, and the right region to move Panarin, who will likely want to land in a place he can win next. The Winnipeg Jets are the only contending team that could fit Panarin's $11.6 million contract underneath their cap.
Let the cards fall where they may.
The Rangers could let the 2025-26 season play out, and then break out the Brinks truck for the superstar forward.
Of course, this could be the most expensive route for Drury and the Rangers, as they could end up in a similar scenario as the Toronto Maple Leafs did with Mitch Marner, who ended up being signed and traded to the Vegas Golden Knights, yielding only a bottom-six forward, Nic Roy, in return.
Lastly, the team could let the chips fall where they may at the end of the 2025-26 season and forego re-signing him. He's failed to replicate his 120-point season and has been disappointing in the playoffs, scoring 35 points in 46 playoff games.
Only a .76 PPG production clip.
With all of the talent available in 2026, it might be a mistake to keep all of your eggs in one basket.
Panarin has been the foundation of the Rangers' rebuild, and has helped the team secure a Presidents' Trophy, and two trips to the ECF in 2022 and 2024.
Will Chris Drury prioritize Panarin or go on a hunt?
Previously on NY Hockey Insider
| POLL | ||
JUILLET 14 | 167 ANSWERS NHL Insider Breaks Down The New York Rangers Big Dilemma About Artemi Panarin's Next Contract What should GM Chris Drury of the New York Rangers do with forward Artemi Panarin? | ||
| Sign | 106 | 63.5 % |
| Trade | 43 | 25.7 % |
| Sign-and-trade | 11 | 6.6 % |
| Let him walk | 7 | 4.2 % |
| List of polls | ||