The Artemi Panarin era in New York appears to be over - and it’s ending not with a bang, but with a healthy scratch.
The Rangers are holding Panarin out of the lineup for what’s being called “roster management purposes,” and he’s not expected to suit up again before the Olympic break. This comes just days after he logged more than 24 minutes in a win over the Bruins, a performance that, in hindsight, may have been his final outing in a Rangers sweater. The move isn’t shocking - the writing’s been on the wall since the team issued its second “letter to fans” last week - but the timing suggests that while a trade isn’t imminent, the gears are definitely turning.
Panarin is reportedly being given the green light to negotiate directly with other teams as part of the process. He’s seeking an extension, and the Rangers, by sitting him now, are protecting both their asset and their leverage.
It’s a calculated move - not just to avoid injury, but to avoid distraction. With the Olympic break looming, the front office has a window to work the phones and navigate what’s likely a complex trade market for a player of Panarin’s caliber and contract situation.
Let’s talk legacy. On the ice, Panarin’s impact in New York has been undeniable.
In 482 games, he racked up 205 goals and 402 assists - 607 points total. That’s elite production, full stop.
He was the engine of the Rangers’ offense for years, and by any measure, the best free-agent signing in franchise history. He brought flair, vision, and a level of playmaking that elevated the team’s top six and made the power play a constant threat.
But Panarin’s time in New York wasn’t without turbulence. Off-ice allegations cast a shadow over his final seasons, and there were rumblings about his influence in the locker room - from the fallout of those allegations to the now-infamous team barbecue he hosted in honor of Barclay Goodrow’s departure. Fair or not, those moments have become part of the narrative.
Still, the Rangers are doing what they have to do. With Panarin’s future clearly lying elsewhere, keeping him out of the lineup is a smart, measured decision.
It signals to the league that he’s available, that the team is moving on, and that they’re not going to risk injury while talks are ongoing. It also gives Panarin the chance to find a landing spot that fits - both competitively and contractually.
This is the kind of moment that can reshape a franchise. Moving on from a star of Panarin’s stature isn’t easy, but it opens the door for a new chapter - one that could bring in younger talent, cap flexibility, or even a foundational piece for the future.
For now, all eyes are on what comes next. The Rangers have made their move.
Now it’s a waiting game.