NY Rangers Rumor: Don’t expect an Artemi Panarin discount

With Artemi Panarin entering the final year of his 7 year, $81.5 million contract, the discussion about re-signing him has begun. Over the summer, with the news that he was instrumental in landing Vlad Gavrikov as a free agent, there were rumblings that a Panarin discount may be possible. He already took one discount to come to the Rangers, leaving more money on the table from the Islanders, so the thoughts of another Panarin discount are at least logical. But a Panarin discount may not happen, per Larry Brooks.

Per Brooks, there’s no reason to believe a Panarin discount should be expected. There’s also no reason to believe Panarin will sign any time soon. This is probably in line with the Rangers plans as well, given Panarin’s contract expectations and the rumored desire to land Jack Eichel or Connor McDavid. Panarin is probably their Plan B.

There’s no rush for a Panarin extension. Let’s see how the season plays out first.