The New York Rangers are enduring one of the most frustrating seasons in recent memory. Sitting last in the Metropolitan Division with a 20-22-6 record, the Rangers have dropped four straight games, most recently suffering an 8-4 loss to the Ottawa Senators.
With postseason hopes fading, New York appears poised to retool its roster. At the center of that discussion is star winger Artemi Panarin, whose future with the organization has become increasingly uncertain.
Rangers Hesitating on Artemi Panarin As Deadline Nears
According to The Athletic’s Vincent Z. Mercogliano, the Rangers are leaning toward a quick reset, and that process could begin with Panarin. Even though he remains the Rangers’ top scorer, Panarin’s age and contract status make his situation increasingly tricky as the trade deadline nears.
He is entering the final year of his seven-year, $81.5 million deal. He has yet to agree to an extension. Reports suggest the Rangers previously explored a short-term offer similar to Anže Kopitar’s two-year, $7 million-per-year contract with the Kings. But the idea never gained momentum.
“In order to kick-start that process, the Rangers must begin by selling off veterans who aren’t part of the long-term vision,” Mercogliano wrote. “Leading scorer Artemi Panarin is at the top of our list of trade candidates, but it won’t be as simple as just shopping him around.”
Despite New York’s ongoing struggles, Panarin has continued to deliver offensively. The 34-year-old leads the team with 51 points in 47 games and remains one of the NHL’s most dangerous scoring threats, production that would make him an enticing option on the trade market.
Panarin holds a full no-movement clause, meaning any trade would require his approval. And according to Mercogliano, the Rangers haven’t yet taken that step.
“My understanding after speaking to a league source on Tuesday is that the Rangers have yet to approach Panarin to gauge his willingness to waive the NMC or inquire about his preferred destinations,” Mercogliano reported.
Mercogliano noted that the Rangers have not made any final decisions yet. The March 6 trade deadline is still nearly two months away. And are now intentionally delaying those conversations. However, he emphasized that time is running out and that general manager Chris Drury would benefit from taking a proactive approach.
For now, the Rangers appear stuck in wait-and-see mode. With the deadline closing in, things may soon become urgent. Up next, New York will look to stop the bleeding when it faces the Philadelphia Flyers on Friday.
