The New York Rangers and Artemi Panarin haven't begun discussing a contract extension. The lack of development in a new contract should be concerning for both fans and Panarin, as the team has a burden of expectations to hold on their shoulders, as new Coach Mike Sullivan takes his place in Madison Square Garden. Will Panarin be extended or test free agency?![Artemi Panarin]()
Artemi Panarin is headed into his seventh season as a Blueshirt and has been a key piece in multiple playoff runs.
His play is responsible for the team's last successful playoff stretch and Presidents' Trophy win. It seems that we might be seeing the curse in action, as 2024-25 Panarin and the team experienced a decline across the board in offense, defense, and goaltending, arguably holding their own.
Despite that, last season could play a huge factor in how GM Chris Drury approaches his next contract extension.
As it stands now, the New York Rangers and Panarin haven't opened negotiations on a new deal, to our knowledge. This has us pondering whether or not GM Chris Drury views Panarin as a transitional piece or someone who he's desperate to get his cap hit off the books.
Is It Worth Keeping Panarin Around?
At $11.5 million and a $92 million deal, Panarin is an expensive forward, and for someone whose failed to produce when the time counts (the playoffs) Drury might be shifting his priorities.
Even though he's a year removed from his 120-point season, he's not getting younger, and Drury will have to decide whether or not he's worth keeping around when a retool is the priority at the moment.
Despite being the Rangers' obvious MVP these past few seasons, we all know no one is safe, even Wayne Gretzky was traded.
