The direction of the Rangers is something that’s yet to be decided, but the team’s slow start to the season raises questions about star left winger Artemi Panarin’s future with the team.
Panarin, who’s entering the final year of his 7-year, $81.5 million contract extension, is set to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of this year. Since joining the Rangers in 2019, Panarin has been a major contributor, leading the team in scoring every season.
However, he’s off to his worst start since joining the club. Through six games, he’s recorded no goals, two assists and a minus three rating. He’s also entering his age 34 season, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see a decline in the near future.
NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reported the Rangers “went to him and said, would you be willing to take a Kopitar kind of deal, and the answer was no.”
Kopitar took a pay cut this offseason.
Friedman also reported his camp could be “swinging” for a home run contract.
Should the Rangers attempt to re-sign Panarin?
