The New York Rangers were without Artemi Panarin in Wednesday’s 5-2 loss to the Islanders, and while the final score stung, it was the absence of their star winger that left the biggest void. After the game, head coach Mike Sullivan didn’t sugarcoat it-replacing Panarin isn’t just difficult. It’s borderline impossible.
“Bread’s a terrific player and a great teammate,” Sullivan said. “He’s good friends with a lot of guys in that dressing room.
That has an impact on guys. He’s one of the best Rangers of his generation.
He’s not an easy guy to replace.”
That last line hits hard because it’s true. Panarin hasn’t just been a top scorer-he’s been the guy in New York since arriving in 2019.
His production, consistency, and presence have shaped the identity of this Rangers team for years. And if he’s truly played his last game in a Rangers sweater, the numbers tell the story of just how big a hole he’ll leave behind.
Let’s take a look:
- 482 games played (43rd in franchise history)
- 205 goals (14th)
- 402 assists (8th)
- 607 points (9th)
- 1.26 points per game (1st)
That last stat is especially telling. No one in Rangers history has produced at a higher rate per game than Panarin.
Not Messier. Not Jagr.
Not even Gilbert. He’s been a walking highlight reel, a power-play engine, and a locker room leader.
And while his production has dipped slightly in recent seasons-understandable given age and changes in roster makeup-he’s still led the team in scoring every single year he’s worn the Blueshirt.
Here’s a quick glance at his points-per-game averages by season in New York: 1.38, 1.38, 1.28, 1.12, 1.46, 1.11, and 1.10. His peak came with a 120-point season over 82 games.
Even last year, in what some considered a "down" year, he still posted 89 points in 80 games. This season?
He’s got 57 in 52. That’s still elite territory.
So where does that leave the Rangers?
General Manager Chris Drury has a massive challenge ahead. Panarin doesn’t just walk out the door and get replaced by committee.
The Rangers don’t have a clear successor waiting in the wings. There’s no surefire top-line scorer in the pipeline, and while names like J.T.
Miller and Alexis Lafrenière offer some intrigue, neither is a one-for-one replacement for what Panarin brings on the ice-or off it.
The Rangers already moved on from Chris Kreider this past summer, and the lack of a meaningful return has left the team scrambling to fill the leadership and scoring void. That can’t happen again. Drury needs a plan, and he needs it now.
There will be names floated. Jason Robertson, a restricted free agent nearing UFA status, will draw attention.
Brady Tkachuk is another player the Rangers have reportedly had interest in. Auston Matthews could become a topic of conversation if the Maple Leafs decide to shake things up.
And yes, there’s always the distant dream of Connor McDavid hitting free agency in 2029-but that’s a long way off, and the Rangers can’t afford to wait that long to stay competitive.
This is a pivotal moment for the franchise. The Rangers are walking a fine line between retooling and rebuilding.
If Drury doesn’t navigate it carefully, what started as a roster refresh could spiral into a full-scale reset. Panarin’s potential departure isn’t just a personnel issue-it’s a defining moment for the direction of the team.
The Rangers have been here before. They’ve issued The Letter.
They’ve rebuilt. They’ve developed.
Now, it’s about execution. If this team wants to stay in the mix as a contender, they’ll need to find a way to fill the massive skates Panarin leaves behind-not just with skill, but with vision and purpose.
Because players like Breadman don’t come around often. And when they leave, they take a piece of your identity with them.