The Artemi Panarin Dilemma: Why the Rangers’ Star Forward Remains in Limbo
On paper, trading Artemi Panarin should have been a layup for the New York Rangers. He’s a bona fide superstar-skilled, experienced, and still producing at a high level.
Just about every contender in the league would love to add a player like Panarin to their top six. And some of them would’ve been willing to pay a premium to do it.
But here’s the catch: Panarin isn’t just looking for a new jersey-he wants a new contract, too. And not just any deal.
The Russian winger is reportedly eyeing what could be the final big payday of his career. He’s made it clear he wants both term and dollars, and he’s not shy about it.
That’s where things get complicated for the Rangers.
The initial plan was to get a deal done before the Olympic roster freeze. That window is now closing fast, and unless something gets hammered out in the eleventh hour, this situation is heading into overtime.
Once the freeze kicks in, trades are off the table until February 22. So even if the Rangers and another team agree on terms, the deal can’t become official for weeks.
That delay may not seem catastrophic, but it does prolong the uncertainty. Instead of getting acclimated to a new team, Panarin is stuck in limbo-waiting, watching, and hoping nothing derails the process.
For the Rangers, it’s a delicate dance. They want to protect their asset, but they also need to keep momentum heading into the stretch run.
One awkward fall or freak injury could blow the whole thing up.
The Cap Crunch and the Contenders
Then there’s the issue of where Panarin wants to land. According to reports, he has his sights set on a few contenders-teams like the Florida Panthers, who are firmly in the Stanley Cup conversation. But there’s a problem: those teams don’t have the cap space to absorb both Panarin’s current salary and the hefty extension he’s seeking.
If Panarin were open to a short-term rental, the math would be easier. A team like Florida could potentially make it work for a few months, give themselves a legitimate shot at a Cup, and then part ways in the offseason.
But that’s not the route Panarin seems interested in. He’s not just chasing hardware-he’s chasing long-term security.
Other teams, like the Dallas Stars or Colorado Avalanche, could enter the mix if Panarin were willing to be a rental. Both clubs are in win-now mode and could use a dynamic playmaker to push them over the top. But again, that hinges on Panarin being flexible about his future-and so far, there’s little indication he’s willing to compromise.
Why This Was Never Going to Be Easy
The truth is, moving a player like Panarin was never going to be simple. This isn’t just about talent-it’s about timing, cap space, contract demands, and team fit. That’s a lot of variables to juggle, especially with the Olympic freeze looming and contenders already tight against the cap.
The Rangers knew this wasn’t going to be a quick flip. It was always going to take some maneuvering and patience.
What’s becoming clear now is just how delicate the balance is. One misstep, one injury, one shift in the market-and the entire equation changes.
At this point, the Rangers are playing a waiting game. So is Panarin. And so are the teams circling around, hoping the numbers-or the player’s expectations-come down to earth.
If Panarin eventually adjusts his stance, there’s still a path to a win-win. He could land with a contender, sign a strong deal, and chase a Cup all in one move. But until then, the clock keeps ticking, and the uncertainty lingers.
For now, the Rangers will keep their star forward in bubble wrap, and the rest of the league will keep watching. Because when it comes to Artemi Panarin, the talent is undeniable-but the situation? That’s a whole different story.