The writing isn’t just on the wall; it’s being actively discussed by NHL insiders. Artemi Panarin’s tenure as the offensive heartbeat of the New York Rangers could be coming to an abrupt end. As an analyst who’s watched this situation develop, the latest report from Elliotte Friedman is the pivot point we’ve been waiting for. This is no longer a simple negotiation; it’s a high-stakes bet, and both Panarin and the Rangers have pushed their chips to the middle of the table.
The Rangers reportedly offered Panarin a “Kopitar-style deal”—shorthand for a short-term, team-friendly contract with a significant pay cut from his current $11.6 million AAV. Think two years at around $7 million. Panarin’s answer? A simple “no.”
What Panarin’s “No” Really Means
From where I’m sitting, this “no” tells us everything. Panarin, even at 33 and facing declining production, believes he has one more significant contract in him. He’s betting on himself. He sees his 120-point season two years ago, not last year’s 89-point drop-off, as his true value. But the NHL is a “what have you done for me lately” league. His current pace, trending towards less than 80 points, is catastrophic for a player seeking a massive payday. He won’t get another seven-year deal, but he clearly feels he’s worth more than $7 million, even on a short-term basis.
The Rangers’ Hard-Nosed Asset Management
This is classic Chris Drury. The Rangers’ GM isn’t running an alumni association; he’s managing a salary cap. Offering a low-AAV deal was a test. Panarin failed it. Now, the clock is ticking. The Rangers cannot—and will not—let a player of this caliber walk for nothing as a UFA next July.
If the Rangers are hovering around a playoff spot come February, and Panarin remains unsigned, expect Drury to pick up the phone. Panarin has a full no-movement clause, but he’ll be asked for a list of teams. A trade is no longer a “what if” scenario; it’s the logical next step in a negotiation that has clearly broken down.
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The post Why Artemi Panarin’s Future with the New York Rangers is Now in Serious Doubt appeared first on NHL Trade Rumors.
