The New York Rangers are looking to be much better this season after a disastrous season last year.
The Rangers had the best record in the NHL two years ago, and last season, New York missed the playoffs. Heading into the season, the Rangers have a major decision to make on Artemi Panarin, who’s entering the final year of his seven-year, $81.5 million deal.
Although Panarin is the top player on the Rangers, insiders Peter Baugh and Vincent Z. Mercogliano of The Athletic say neither side is in a rush to get an extension done.
Both the Rangers and Panarin, a pending unrestricted free agent, have a lot riding on his performance this season,” the article read. “He’s led New York in scoring all six years with the team, but he will turn 34 in October. The Rangers need his production to continue…
“Drury will have to decide how aggressively he wants to pursue an extension with Panarin before or during the season. Our sense is he’s in no big rush,” the article added… The team will have off-ice factors to consider as well: Panarin and Madison Square Garden Sports paid financial settlements to a Rangers employee in August 2024 after she alleged that Panarin sexually assaulted her in December 2023, according to reporting by The Athletic’s Katie Strang.
Panarin recorded 37 goals and 52 assists for 89 points in 80 games last season. If he does hit free agency, several teams would be interested in him.
Rangers Paying Attention to Kaprizov
Part of the reason why New York and Panarin are in no rush to sign an extension is due to the 2026 free agent class.
The likes of Connor McDavid, Jack Eichel, Kyle Connor, and Kirill Kaprizov, among others, could all be free agents. Kaprizov’s name has also come up in trade talks, and the insiders expect the Rangers to be a team interested in the star Russian.
The Rangers have cap flexibility, but they’re closely monitoring what’s happening with some of the big names who could hit free agency next summer,” the article added. “If any make it to market or come available via trade, expect Drury to be aggressive. The situation in Minnesota, where star winger Kirill Kaprizov just rejected the most lucrative contract offer in NHL history, bears watching. (It’s worth noting that Panarin and Kaprizov share the same agent, Paul Theofanous.)”
Kaprizov is younger than Panarin and would help the Rangers be competitive for years to come.
Last season, Kaprizov recorded 25 goals and 31 assists for 56 points in 41 games.
New York Won’t Comment on Potential Panarin Extension
Panarin was eligible for a contract extension on July 1, but no deal has happened.
In the offseason, Rangers general manager Chris Drury also declined to comment on whether the sides have started to talk.
“I’m not going to get into private conversations I have with players and agents,” Drury said. “They are just that to me: private. But as I said in the past, Artemi is a big piece of our team and our organization. We think the world of him as a player and (are) thrilled he is a Ranger.”
Panarin has spent six years in New York. He’s a two-time NHL All-Star.
Insider Shares Major Development on Panarin’s Future With Rangers