Could there come a point in the New York Rangers' future where they lose their top forward, Artemi Panarin? Panarin will be a UFA next season, as his contract is set to expire in 2026, and NHL Insider Lyle Richardson believes he will test free agency.![Artemi Panarin and Cayden Primeau]()
The New York Rangers are in a precarious moment in their history. With a new head coach in Mike Sullivan, while the team is busy turning over the lineup, there's no guarantee of a trip to the playoffs.
After a 5th-place finish in the Metropolitan Division, Chris Drury felt it behooved him to course-correct. That move might cost them their best forward, Artemi Panarin.
According to The Bleacher Report's Lyle Richardson, Panarin could explore free agency when his contract expires next season.
In order to stick with the Rangers, he may be expected to take a pay cut.
"The Rangers can afford to re-sign Panarin on a short-term deal with a slight pay cut to around $10 million annually. However, his future in New York could depend on the Blueshirts' performance in 2025-26. Another missed postseason could lead to his departure to a Stanley Cup contender next July," Richardson wrote.
Along with that NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman has issued a statement that left many Rangers fan really question Panarin's future with the team.
Panarin has been one of the team's best forwards since he signed with the team in 2019.
Since then, he's been a reliable producer in the Rangers' lineup. In 82 games this season, he scored 37 goals and 89 points, only a season removed from his 49-goal and 120-point year.
For the Rangers, they have to consider his age, and with his production declining may have to shift priorities as they could trade up if they want to get some assets out of the contract.
But, of course, GM Chris Drury would have to consult Panarin along the way before completing the deal.
At worst, this could become an addition by subtraction, as his contract comes off the books. But it's been an exciting time watching him as Ranger, disappointed for the fact he hasn't been able to deliver in the playoffs like we'd hoped.
Is this the end for Breadman in New York?
