The NY Rangers could be on the lookout for a potential replacement for Artemi Panarin should he leave after this upcoming season. That replacement could come in the form of Winnipeg Jets’ impending UFA Kyle Connor.
While the prevailing wisdom is that the NY Rangers and Panarin are on track to remain together for the foreseeable future, there is a chance that New York might be unwilling to meet The Breadman’s contract demands.
If that’s the case, the NY Rangers might consider turning to Connor. Connor is entering the final year of a seven-year, $50 million contract with the Jets. As such, the Jets will need to decide what to do about Connor.
The Jets would like to re-sign Connor to another long-term contract. But given how Nikolaj Ehlers left this summer, there’s no guarantee that he’ll stay in Winnipeg. That possibility could be the NY Rangers’ gain.
If Connor is prepared to go to market, the Blue Shirts could step in with a substantial offer. That offer could be even more enticing if the NY Rangers no longer have Panarin’s $11.5 million cap hit on the books.
Of course, having both Panarin and Connor on the squad would be a dream come true. But then again, Kyle Connor could be a fantastic replacement for Panarin should the 33-year-old Russian superstar take his talents elsewhere.
NY Rangers Unlikely to Move on from Panarin
As it stands, the NY Rangers are unlikely to move on from Artemi Panarin. The consensus is that Panarin has been one of the best signings in NHL history. He’s one year removed from a 120-point season, and could get back to that range if things go well for the NY Rangers next season.
So, the NY Rangers and Panarin could be looking to work something out moving forward. However, inking a new contract could be a challenging prospect. The big question lies in determining if Panarin is still worth $11.5 million per season.
On the surface, Panarin would be worth at least $10 million. But is that something the NY Rangers are willing to pay? Moreover, how long would Panarin’s next contract be? Would a shorter-term deal be in the cards?
Those questions will ultimately determine if the Blue Shirts push to re-sign Panarin or look to find a suitable replacement for him, either on the trade market or in NHL free agency.
Blue Shirts Could Target Connor Anyway
The NY Rangers could target Kyle Connor even if they re-sign Panarin. The Blue Shirts are far from heading into a rebuild. If anything, the club wants to push for a retool given its current core.
Vezina Trophy goaltender Igor Shesterkin is entering the first year of his new contract extension. Meanwhile, Norris Trophy winner Adam Fox continues to be a dominant force. That situation leaves the NY Rangers looking to add key pieces rather than strip down the roster.
So, there’s a willingness on New York’s part to target someone like Kyle Connor to bolster its top-six scoring. Fans could see head coach Mike Sullivan load up on a top line featuring Panarin, Connor, and center J.T. Miller. Such a line could give opposing coaches nightmares.
It’s a scenario that could play out, but it could still be some time before fans get to see it come to fruition.
