Artemi Panarin Held Out as Rangers Weigh Next Move Ahead of Trade Deadline
ELMONT, N.Y. - The New York Rangers are making a significant move - and it doesn’t involve a goal or a line change. Star winger Artemi Panarin will not suit up for Wednesday night’s matchup against the Islanders, a decision tied to roster management as the team navigates the days leading up to the Olympic roster freeze.
Panarin, 34, isn’t expected to hit the ice again before next Wednesday, and that absence speaks volumes. The Rangers informed him earlier this month that they won’t be offering a contract extension, and both sides have since been working together to find a trade partner. With a full no-movement clause in his contract, Panarin holds the final say on where he ends up - or if he moves at all.
“It’s hard to say how I feel,” Panarin said back on Jan. 17, the day after general manager Chris Drury released a letter outlining the team’s “retool” plans. Drury also met privately with Panarin that day to kick off the trade discussions.
“I’m still confused, but the GM decided to go in a different direction. I’m OK with that.
I’m a Ranger player right now, so I’ll play every game 100 percent.”
That quote tells you a lot. Panarin’s professionalism has never been in question, but it’s clear this situation is still settling in for him. Whether the Rangers are close to finalizing a deal or simply protecting one of their most valuable assets from injury, the message is clear: Panarin’s time in New York is likely winding down.
There’s also the possibility that a framework for a trade is already in place, and Panarin is now using this window to negotiate a contract extension with a potential new team. According to reports, his camp is seeking that clarity before agreeing to waive the no-move clause - a smart move for a player of his caliber and leverage.
While Panarin hasn’t disclosed which teams he’d consider waiving his clause for, league sources suggest an East Coast destination would be his preference. Still, don’t count out a few Western Conference contenders who are believed to be in the mix. For now, it’s a waiting game.
Meanwhile, Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan hasn’t exactly been easing Panarin into the background. Quite the opposite. Panarin has logged 20-plus minutes in each of his last five games, including a 24:15 workload in Monday’s 4-3 overtime win over the Bruins - a game that may go down as his final in a Rangers sweater.
And what a run it’s been.
Panarin leads the Rangers this season with 57 points (19 goals, 38 assists) through 52 games. He’s been the team’s top scorer every year since arriving in New York - seven straight seasons of elite production.
His overall totals with the franchise? A remarkable 607 points (205 goals, 402 assists) in 482 games, good for eighth all-time in Rangers history.
That’s not just production - that’s legacy.
If this is indeed the end of Panarin’s time on Broadway, it marks the close of a chapter that’s been defined by creativity, consistency, and a whole lot of points. Wherever he lands next, he’ll bring more than just numbers - he’ll bring the kind of offensive spark that can tilt a playoff series.
For now, the Rangers are holding their cards close. But make no mistake - the hockey world is watching.