The New York Rangers are off to an inconsistent start this season, with their worst performances due to insufficient goal scoring, not a lack of puck possession or defensive prowess. Artemi Panarin’s future with the Rangers is tied to how the Rangers look in the coming months, which comes as no surprise. Panarin has been in his usual top six spot for the Rangers, serving as one of the primary offensive weapons and a player who the opposing defense has to keep track of at all times. But that role hasn’t come with results, and has led to increasing questions about Panarin’s future in New York with the Rangers.
Panarin has been nothing less than one of the greatest free agent signings in New York sports history. Sure he hasn’t won the ultimate prize, but Panarin has proven to be worth every penny the Rangers paid him and then some. With this being the final year of Panarin’s contract, many are wondering what will come next for Panarin and the Rangers organization. Panarin’s future with the Rangers is called into question not just because of contract demands, but also off-ice allegations and sexual assault settlements.
The simplest approach would be to re-sign Panarin to a contract that compromises between what the player wants and the team is willing to give. That may be around four years and over $12 million per year. With the rising cap, that might not even be a bad investment, even as Panarin ages and his game most likely gradually falls off to an extent.
That being said, I do not believe that approach is the correct approach. Whether the Rangers care to admit it or not, this is a team in the murky middle. A team that isn’t quite good enough to win the Stanley Cup, while also not being bad enough to contend for a prospect that can change the organization.
Sitting in that murky middle is the worst place for a team to be. Organizations should not dream of first or second round exits. The New York Rangers are no exception.
Panarin’s future should be tied to team results, not individual stats
If the Rangers are killing it this season and are a clear playoff team, I would vote to keep Panarin and keep options open for the offseason. Do you want Panarin’s contract to be the obstacle in the way of acquiring a 26 or 27 year old star via trade? Don’t ask me the player that will be, we truly never know who will become available, and we’ve seen a few of these deals sneak up on us.
If the Rangers are not a clear playoff team, the obvious move with Panarin’s future is to trade him at the deadline. The Rangers do not exactly have a sensational prospect pool, and a Panarin trade would surely fetch at the very worst a first round pick and a top prospect. If you’re a “prospects aren’t needed” person, the Rangers could always flip the pick/prospect for help for the next season.
As I look at this season, I’m honestly surprised by my own takeaway. To me, it feels like Panarin’s future should undoubtedly be away from the Rangers. This club hasn’t had cap flexibility like they could have going into the next offseason in a long time. Robbing themselves of that to pay an aging superstar who wants top years and dollar would be shortsighted and far too familiar for this organization. Just because all the more desirable free agents re-signed with their teams doesn’t mean the Rangers should follow suit and perhaps cripple them to secure Panarin’s future.
When it comes to Panarin’s future, the best move is to see where the team is at at the deadline and take it from there. Panarin has served the organization phenomenally on the ice. His next big move could be helping the organization move forward without him.
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