Yesterday news was released that Russian National Hockey Team will not be competing in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina which ruins the hopes for Rangers stars Igor Shesterkin and Artemi Panarin.![New York Rangers star Artemi Panarin #nhl #rangers]()
The International Olympic Committee has prevented Russia from competing in the Olympics for several years due to their foreign policy in Ukraine.
Many Russians hoped they would have a chance to compete
Many Russian players had hoped that there would be the chance that they could compete in the Olympics in 2026 as some thought negotiations would allow the lifting of their ban.
But the ongoing conflict between the Ukraine and Russia will likely continue to blog Russian players from playing in the Olympics or even other competitions.
Both Rangers stars have not had the opportunity to play for their home country as they along with the rest of the Rangers are continuing to reel from their disappointing season.
Panarin could find himself with a big payday from the Rangers
With the Olympics news being a complete disappointment, Panarin will now turn his attention to his future in the NHL as he has set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2026.
The Rangers will have an opportunity once July 1st passes to open negotiations and potentially sign Panarin to a new deal.
It's becoming clear that the 2026 unrestricted free agency crop is going to be some of the best scene in many years and Panarin will be at the top of the list.
Shesterkin had signed his big contract earlier this season as the Rangers awarded him an 8-year $92 million deal that's worth $11.5 million per season.
In the meantime, general manager Chris Drury will try to change his roster with several potential free agents including Toronto Maple Leafs star winger Mitch Marner as a possible replacement for Panarin if he chooses free agency next summer.
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