Artemi Panarin Has Ominous Statement About his Future
Back in November, rumors began to spread that New York Rangers' pending UFA Artemi Panarin might actually forego signing anywhere in the NHL after the season, and could actually head home to Russia to continue his career. But at that point, it was still a rumor emanating from Russia... We hadn't heard Panarin address it.
I mean, you never know. Hard to say right now. It’s a very hard question, to be honest. I can’t comment on the side of life, you never know what’s happening.
That is certainly not a denial. He wants to leave that door open, it seems.
Now, it's certainly possible that's a bit of posturing, not wanting to show his hand for when it comes time for contract. But as of now, there are no extension talks with the Rangers.
He is in the final season of a seven-year, $82 million contract ($11.6M AAV), and already turned down a Rangers request before the season to accept a team-friendly, below-market-value, shorter-term extension. That simply is not happening, Walker reiterated.
The insider went on to suggest that the club does not want to hand the 34-year-old a longer-term deal at his age. Everything really depends on where the Rangers sit as we get closer to the trade deadline. If they continue to struggle (currently in last place in the Metropolitan Division) and are clearly not a serious playoff contender, a trade is definitely not off the table.
Panarin has 26 points in 27 games thus far, recovering recently after a slow start to the season. Last year, he still appeared to be on top of his game, with 37 goals and 89 points, though that was a decline from his career-best 120-point season in 2023-24.
He's still got something in the tank to move forward, but whether it'll be in the NHL or the KHL remains to be played out over the next several months and into next summer.
