Artemi Panarin's future with the New York Rangers could be contingent on one major detail.
Panarin is entering the 2025-26 season without a contract extension, which has sparked questions and speculation about his status with the Rangers.
If Panarin were to sign a contract extension to remain in New York, he’s reportedly looking for superstar-type money.
“He’s not going to sign if he’s not paid as a premier player,” one Western Conference executive said via Peter Baugh of The Athletic. “That’s what they’re going to have to decide.”
The 33-year-old forward is entering the final year of a seven-year, $81.5 million contract.
At this current point in time, Panarin is still the Rangers’ most productive offensive talent and one of the premier forwards in the entire NHL.
Without Panarin, the Blueshirts’ offense would just not function the same.
However, giving top-tier money to a player who’s well into his 30s is a risky play for the Rangers, as we could begin to see a decline in his game given his age.
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The most feasible solution for the Rangers would be to give Panarin a shorter-term deal at the price of his choice, but it’s unclear if the superstar forward would be open to that idea.
There are certainly teams across the NHL that would love to have a talent the likes of Panarin in their building and would pay an exorbitant amount of money to do so.
The big question is if the Rangers are willing to do the same.