Insiders Reveal Latest on Artemi Panarin's Future With NY Rangers

Artemi Panarin is in a familiar place at the top of the New York Rangers scoring stats through eight games. But how much longer will he be in the familiar confines of Madison Square Garden? That's the big question surrounding the Blueshirts' perennial leading scorer.

Panarin, 34 next week, is in the final season of his 7-year, $81.5 million contract ($11.6M AAV), and is a pending unrestricted free agent next July. We've already heard that he refused the Rangers' request for him to take a 'hometown discount' on a new deal. Now, insider David Pagnotta has suggested that a trade could very well be in order for Panarin if the Rangers aren't looking like a solid playoff contender come the deadline:

If they're a bubble team, then I see (GM) Chris Drury going in that direction. If there's no indication that he's willing to stay in New York past this season, then I think they seriously look at moving him and going in that direction. It wouldn't shock me if they take a serious look at pulling something off here and retaining some assets...
I don't think they really wanna be in a position to lose a player of a caliber like that for nothing.

Pagnotta also notes that with so many of the big-name potential UFAs coming off the board recently with extensions, Panarin will be right at the top of available players come free agency on July 1. And with the same agent as Kirill Kaprizov (he, of the record-breaking $136 million contract with the $17M AAV), you can bet that the player won't be settling for a discount deal.

This jibes with a recent report from Rangers insider Mollie Walker.

"Do not expect Artemi Panarin to take a hometown discount... the Rangers don't sniff the playoffs without him."@MollieeWalkerr weighs in on Panarin's potential next contract alongside @Mattymar89 and @FutaMichael. #NYR

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"Do not expect Artemi Panarin to take a hometown discount... And to be quite honest with you, I don't think he should... The Rangers don't sniff the playoffs without him."

So it's really all about how competitive the Rangers think they can be this season at making real noise in the postseason, as to whether Panarin stays or goes, come March.