Interesting Situation Could Unfold Between Panarin & Rangers On Next Contract

The New York Rangers have no extra cap space right now and that isn't going to change much in the next year most likely. That is when Artemi Panarin's contract expires and he is a UFA. He's put in some great work for the Rangers, but he's going to turn 34 years old in October and the team hasn't capitalized with him on the team and won the Stanley Cup.

Frank Seravalli said that "I'd have to think there's a way to work out a new deal for the Breadman."

The only contracts that are expiring after next season other than Panarin's are RFAs Braden Schneider, Scott Morrow, Brennan Othmann, and UFAs Jonathan Quick and Jonny Brodzinski. All those contracts equal just over $6 million, but the Rangers will have to re-sign or replace them on the roster as well.

There isn't a way I see Panarin getting a higher AAV than the one he has now on his next deal at his age. I also can't see him getting more than six years on a contract. That would take him to 40 years old, but the Rangers might think to do that to keep the AAV down even more. Panarin currently has a cap hit of $11.642 million AAV.

Panarin is still an elite talent and led the Rangers last season, scoring 37 goals and 89 points in 80 games. He led the team in goals by a wide stretch (next was Vincent Trocheck with 26), assists (52, Adam Fox had 51), and points (Mika Zibanejad had 62).

The Rangers now have J.T. Miller for a full season, are hoping Zibanejad can bounce back from his worst season in many years, and expect young players like Alexis Lafreniere, Brett Berard, Gabe Perreault, Will Cuylle, Adam Edstrom, and Othmann to all take steps.

Losing Panarin would be a huge loss and I think the Rangers have all the tools to compete for a Stanley Cup. It's just a matter of everything coming together next season and Panarin staying at the top of his game. The team should have no problem making the playoffs, but once they're there, that will be the test they haven't been able to overcome. If New York doesn't make the playoffs, it'll be tougher to convince Panarin to stay.