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Real debate about Artemi Panarin future with Rangers is already underway
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- Real debate about Artemi Panarin future with Rangers is already underway
Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images
When the New York Rangers signed Artemi Panarin to that massive seven-year, $81.5 million contract back on July 1, 2019, it felt like a turning point for the franchise. One of the League's premier talents chose Broadway, and sped up the Rangers rebuild, even if the Stanley Cup Playoffs were still a couple years away.
Panarin's delivered on that huge investment by the Rangers. The Breadman has 550 points (186 goals, 364 assists) in 430 games since signing that deal. Panarin led the Rangers in scoring six straight seasons, including two years ago when he totaled 120 points, second most in franchise history . His 1.28 points-per-game average is tops in Rangers history.
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And despite a tremendously disappointing 2024-25 season, the Rangers reached the postseason three straight years before that, including trips to the Eastern Conference Final in 2022 and 2024.
Soon, the Rangers will face another turning point moment. And it will again involve Panarin.
His contract expires after this upcoming season and Panarin can become an unrestricted free agent next summer. The Rangers haven't extended Panarin, and the debate is sure to build. Should the Rangers re-up with the most prolific scorer in their history or will it be time to move on?
Related: Former Rangers enforcer recalls late-night vodka shots and basketball with Artemi Panarin
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The case for Rangers keeping Artemi Panarin
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He's still elite — end of debate
Let's not overthink this. Panarin is still one of the most dangerous offensive players in the NHL. His vision, passing, and ability to make something out of nothing? Unreal. He's the one Rangers forward who can take over a game in an instant. You don't just replace that with "next man up." Yes, he will be 34 next summer. But 34 is not 37. Panarin's got a lot left in the tank as an elite NHL point producer.
Rangers window as contender remains open
This isn't 2019 anymore. The Rangers are not building for the future. With Igor Shesterkin in net, Adam Fox anchoring the blue line, and veterans like Mika Zibanejad , J.T. Miller and Vincent Trocheck still more than capable of producing, this team is right there as a contender. Moving on from Panarin could slam that window shut faster than a subway door. He and Trocheck form one hell of a second line, likely with Alexis Lafreniere on the right side. His presence makes New York's top six feel special.
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Artemi Panarin is quiet Rangers leader
Panarin isn't a rah-rah, in-your-face leader, but watch him on the bench. Watch how younger players like Lafrenière gravitate toward him. Panarin's a veteran presence with 10 years of NHL experience. He's respected by his teammates and coaches, not to mention opponents. So, it's another reason to keep him, as long as he keeps producing.
Artemi Panarin is good for business
Listen, Panarin sells jerseys. He fills seats. He's a superstar in New York City — a hockey market that thrives on star power. The Rangers are a business as much as a hockey team, and losing a player like Panarin isn't just about on-ice production — it's about brand impact.
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Related: NHL offseason grades for Rangers, Metropolitan Division rivals
The case against Rangers keeping Artemi Panarin
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The Connor McDavid factor
It's unlikely that Connor McDavid reaches unrestricted free agency July 1. But if he does? The Rangers need to be all-in on the superstar center. Whatever it takes to sign McDavid. And, yes, that means saying goodbye to the Breadman.
Father time
Panarin will be 34 when this deal ends. Yes, he's great now, but Father Time is undefeated. How many guys keep elite speed and hands into their mid-30s? Do you really want to be stuck paying $10 million to a player who might be a 60-point winger in a few years? The team friendly two-year, $14 million deal would work great here but the open market for him likely calls for a $10 million+ AAV. How much of a discount would Panarin take to stay in New York? Or will the Rangers pay the going rate, just on a shorter-term (three years?) deal?
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Full no-move clause = zero flexibility
Panarin's current contract has a full no-move clause, which makes him pretty much untouchable if the Rangers want to trade him before the 2026 deadline. He'll expect another no-move clause if he re-ups with the Rangers? But what if the team needs to retool in two years? They're stuck. Rangers GM Chris Drury hands out extensions and NTC contracts like candy but does he draw a hard line here with Panarin?
Could sell high on Artemi Panarin
This is the part no one likes to admit: if the Rangers decide Panarin's not part of the long-term picture, trading him before the 2026 deadline could bring in a haul. Prospects, picks, maybe even a young NHL-ready piece. Letting him walk for nothing? That's a disaster scenario. But would he waive his NTC ahead of the deadline, say, to go to the Minnesota Wild and reunite with his close friend Kirill "The Thrill" Kaprizov? Or if the Rangers aren't in the playoff picture, would Panarin accept a trade to a legit Stanley Cup contender? Panarin has 100 percent of the power here and this could bite the Rangers before all is said and done. And that's without mentioning if he stays through another playoff run with the Rangers, under-performs yet again, and then walks as a free agent.
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Elephant in room
Here's another thing that gets glossed over when considering Panarin's future in New York. Late last season it was revealed that Panarin and MSG Sports reached financial settlements with a former Rangers employee after a sexual assault allegation against the star forward. Even though the Rangers did their best to protect Panarin and move on, this isn't a good look. Handing him another $11-12 million a year probably isn't a good look either.
Rangers best plan with Artemi Panarin
This is tough, but here's what the Rangers should do: run it back with Panarin through the 2025-26 season– then reassess. Yes, that's the case even if they might lose him for nothing next summer.
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The Rangers championship window is now. You don't get many cracks at it, and Panarin is still an elite weapon. But unless he's willing to take a short-term, lower-money extension after this deal? It might be time to thank Panarin for an incredible run and move forward with a younger core.
For now, though, let's ride with Panarin.
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