Artemi Panarin Sidelined Amid Trade Talks, Seeks Extension Before Waiving No-Move Clause
The Artemi Panarin era in New York may be nearing its end - but it won’t be ending on the ice.
The Rangers have made the surprising call to healthy-scratch Panarin ahead of their game against the Islanders, and according to reports, that absence will stretch through the Olympic break. That’s four games - minimum - without one of the most productive offensive players in franchise history. And if this is indeed the end of his time in blue, it’s a quiet curtain call for one of the most electric scorers Madison Square Garden has seen in years.
But don’t expect a trade to drop immediately. While the Rangers have reportedly asked Panarin to provide a list of teams he’d be open to joining, this situation is far from resolved.
Panarin holds a no-movement clause, meaning any trade will need his stamp of approval. And according to multiple sources, he’s looking for more than just a change of scenery - he wants a contract extension in place before agreeing to any deal.
That’s a wrinkle that adds layers to an already complex situation. Not every team with interest in Panarin has the cap flexibility to absorb his current deal, let alone extend him. And with the trade deadline still weeks away, there’s a real possibility this process stretches out - potentially leaving Panarin without game action for over a month.
Still, the Rangers are clearly preparing for life after Panarin. Holding him out signals a shift in direction, and while there’s no indication that a deal is imminent, it’s clear the wheels are turning. The pause in his playing time gives both sides a chance to navigate the next steps - whether that’s hammering out terms with a new team or finalizing a list of destinations that fit Panarin’s criteria.
If this is the end of the road in New York, Panarin leaves behind an undeniable legacy. Since arriving ahead of the 2019-20 season, he’s been nothing short of elite: 205 goals, 607 points in 482 games, and a +68 rating. His impact goes beyond the box score, too - with a consistently strong possession game (CorsiFor% over 50.0 at even strength) and a presence that altered how opponents game-planned against the Rangers.
And while some critics have pointed to a perceived drop-off in the playoffs, the numbers tell a different story. Panarin has logged 12 goals and 35 points in 46 postseason games with the Rangers, averaging over 20 minutes per night and helping the team reach the Eastern Conference Final twice. Add in his earlier playoff production with Columbus - 19 goals and 53 points in 62 career playoff games overall - and the notion that he “disappears” in the postseason doesn’t hold up under scrutiny.
What happens next depends on how quickly Panarin and a potential new team can come to terms. His talent is undeniable, and even with the logistical hurdles - cap space, contract demands, timing - there will be no shortage of suitors. For now, though, the Rangers are moving forward without him, and Panarin is waiting for the right opportunity to take the next step in his career.
One thing’s for sure: when he does hit the ice again, it won’t be in a Rangers sweater.