Artemi Panarin will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1 after the New York Rangers decided not to offer a new contract. The move makes him a prime trade chip before the March 6 deadline, while the Rangers aim to free up cap space for younger talent and future acquisitions.
Panarin’s Seven‑Year Tenure in New York
Panarin joined the Rangers in the 2016‑17 season after playing for the Chicago Blackhawks and Columbus Blue Jackets. In New York he recorded three 100‑point seasons, earned a Hart Trophy, and was a Conn Smythe finalist in 2022. Over seven seasons he amassed more than 500 points, cementing his status as an elite playmaker and helping the team become a consistent playoff contender.
Why the Rangers Chose Not to Re‑Sign
The front office, led by General Manager Chris Drury, is re‑tooling around a core of younger players such as Alexis Lafrenière, Adam Fox and emerging forwards. With a tightening salary cap, the organization prefers to preserve flexibility for upcoming contracts and potential high‑impact acquisitions, making a long‑term deal for Panarin financially untenable.
Possible Paths: Extend, Trade, or Retain
- Extend Now – A short‑term bridge deal could buy time, but it would still carry a substantial cap hit and clash with the team’s long‑term fiscal plan.
- Trade Before the Deadline – Moving Panarin now could net prospects, draft picks, or a mix of both, accelerating the rebuild around the younger nucleus.
- Retain and Hope for an Off‑Season Deal – Keeping Panarin through the playoffs might boost his trade value, yet the risk remains of losing him for nothing if he signs elsewhere after his contract expires.
Potential Trade Destinations
- Toronto Maple Leafs – Need an elite playmaker to complement Auston Matthews and Mitchell Marner; cap space could accommodate a multi‑year deal.
- Colorado Avalanche – Pairing Panarin with Nathan MacKinnon could create a formidable offensive duo; the Avalanche have the flexibility to absorb his contract.
- Boston Bruins – Adding a fresh scoring engine without sacrificing defensive stability aligns with Boston’s contention model.
- Los Angeles Kings – A proven star could accelerate the Kings’ timeline to the playoffs alongside their young core.
- Washington Capitals – Could supplement Alex Ovechkin’s production with a top‑line winger as the team looks to the future.
Implications for the Rangers’ Future
By parting ways with Panarin, the Rangers gain significant cap relief, enabling them to lock in key pieces like Lafrenière and pursue aggressive deadline moves. The decision signals a shift toward building a younger, more flexible roster rather than retaining an aging star on a large contract. In the short term, the loss of a proven scorer may reduce offensive firepower, prompting reliance on home‑grown talent and strategic acquisitions.
Bottom Line
Artemi Panarin’s era in a Rangers jersey is ending. With no new contract offered, the March 6 deadline will determine whether he is traded or heads to free agency, while New York reshapes its roster for the next competitive window.
