Could next season be the last we see Artemi Panarin in a Rangers jersey? Chris Drury's quick and methodical deconstruction of the lineup from the last two playoff runs hasn't subsided. K'Andre Miller was the last to go, could Artemi Panarin be next?![Artemi Panarin]()
Artemi Panarin signed a massive $81.5 million deal with the New York Rangers on July 1st, 2019. For Rangers fans, a Stanley Cup felt within reach after he made the leap from Columbus to Broadway.
However, six years later, the team has acquired the Presidents' Trophy curse and three fired coaches along the way.
The forward would quickly hit the gas as he's scored 550 points (186-364) in a Blueshirt, and played 430 games since then. He's led the team in scoring since then in six straight years, and scored 120 points two seasons ago.
That'd solidify him in team history, the second-most points scored in a season.
The team was a perennial contender for three straight years before last season, and Peter Laviolette's final run with the team.
His contract expires after this upcoming season and Panarin can become an unrestricted free agent next summer. The Rangers haven't extended Panarin, and the debate is sure to build. Should the Rangers re-up with the most prolific scorer in their history or will it be time to move on?
What Remains of Artemi Panarin's Future in New York?
For the Rangers, they have to take into account all variables. For starters, he has no flexibility, meaning a full NMC. GM Chris Drury was awfully nice to attach that to his contract.
While the team could find a way to sell high on him in the future, it's doubtful, unless they sell a new team to him, which he'd willingly go to (hint: to a contender).
Moving on from Panarin could shut the team's window of contention, but we're not fully convinced that Drury will move on from him without a significant return, regardless. His jersey sells well, and he is a silent leader in the locker room.
The justifications to keep him around are numerous, but are they realistic in the meantime?
Given his latest controversy, where they had to settle with an MSG over his issues, it may be better for the headlines to let him walk or move him before things get any worse.
GM Chris Drury will have his hands full in deciding which way to go with the Russian superstar.
Either way, it won't be easy.
