The New York Rangers head into training camp this season with one major question mark. There remains little certainty about the future of one of the team’s most talented players.
In particular, that player is Russian sniper Artemi Panarin. Panarin is heading into the final year of his seven-year deal. At the time, it was the NHL’s most lucrative deal. Thus far, he has not disappointed.
His best season with the Rangers came in 2023-24 when he scored 49 goals and totaled 120 points. While last season was a down year by his standards, it was no less successful than previous seasons.
But now, Panarin has chosen to stay mum on his contract extension. The Athletic quoted the 33-year-old in a September 18 piece, stating:
“I’m the same way: can’t speak right now for the public. Focusing on hockey, trying to show my best.”
The lack of reassuring comments has set off the alarms. The Rangers and Panarin are heading down a dangerous path. It’s a path similar to the one the Minnesota Wild are traversing with Kirill Kaprizov, the Colorado Avalanche with Martin Necas, and the Edmonton Oilers with Connor McDavid. It’s as if none of these stars wants to commit too soon.
When asked about a need for security, Panarin replied:
“That’s obviously good for everyone to feel that.”
Yes, Panarin would like security. But as he added:
“I’m used to being in those situations: not every year, but it is where it is right now. I can’t complain about that.”
The last time Panarin walked that road was in 2018 when he signed with the Rangers. Seven years later, he’s back in a similar position.
Panarin and Rangers Could Be Bracing for Strong Free Agent Market
The 2026 free-agent market is shaping up to be one of the most spectacular in recent memory. Along with Panarin, other impending UFAs include Jack Eichel, Kaprizov, Necas, and, of course, the biggest fish of all, Connor McDavid.
The speculation regarding McDavid’s potential free-agency has fueled discussion about the Rangers being a potential destination. If that were the case, Panarin and the Rangers could be bracing for a strong free-agent market.
The Rangers, on the one hand, could be focusing on landing McDavid. Panarin, on the other hand, could be looking at his options. Teams that miss out on McDavid could very well circle back to Panarin.
Perhaps the most sensational scenario could be one in which Eichel, McDavid, Panarin, Kaprizov, and Necas all hit the market. The feeding frenzy to sign all of these stars in one summer could be one for the ages.
Panarin Could Stay in New York After All
There is a strong case for Panarin to remain with the Rangers. The club appears to be back on track. The arrival of Mike Sullivan promises to bring in a new era on Broadway. The Blue Shirts have a strong, if veteran, core. That core potentially has plenty of tread left on its tires.
Plus, with J.T. Miller now anointed as the team’s captain, a light reset could lead to bigger things for the Rangers.
Panarin, like the rest of the club, needs to get off to a strong start. A solid October and November could do well to take much of the pressure off everyone in New York.
Rangers Superstar’s Silence Sets off Alarms