The New York Rangers had one of the best free agent signings during the 2018-19 offseason. GM Jeff Gorton would ink Artemi Panarin to a 7-year deal, becoming one of the best Rangers forwards they've had in recent history. His contract expires at the end of 2025-26.![Artemi Panarin]()
The New York Rangers and GM Jeff Gorton signed Artemi Panarin on July 1st, 2019, so soon after he was a part of the Columbus Blue Jackets sweep of the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Afterwards, he'd search for greener pastures in the NHL, and it appears the Rangers have been that for him.
He's played a total of 430 games with the Rangers during his 6-year tenure, scoring 550 points (186-364), +84, 45 PPG, 140 PPA, and 22 GWG.
A verifiable superstar who makes $11.6 million against the team's cap space.
He may have possibly been Jeff Gorton's best signing ever. Panarin has helped the team stay competitive every year since he's been a Blueshirt.
In the past six seasons, he's helped the team make the postseason four times, and twice to the Eastern Conference Final (2022 & 2024).
The Rangers will have to make a decision on whether or not he's worth keeping around, as his contract, signed in 2019, will expire.
At age 33, the team will have to prioritize its future and its cap space, as it's a luxury for a team that wants to contend in the future.
Panarin's played up to his contract value in total $81.5 million, but Drury could utilize that cap space to trade for another top-six winger or add depth to the lineup, should they trade him or let him walk.
