Recent report confirmed artemi panarin may be leaving the rangers organization in the off-season
Photo credit: Inside The Rink
The New York Rangers were once thought to be Stanley Cup contenders this post-season after securing a Presidents Trophy. However, the curse could be crippling the organization, as the season has turned into a mess while GM Chris Drury is flipping the lineup for assets. Could Rangers top forward Artemi Panarin be the next go?
The New York Rangers overperformed as an organization under Peter Laviolette it seems. They've been unable to replicate the success that led them to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2023-2024 against the Florida Panthers.
Now, with a cap crunch on the way, as they have over $84 million in cap space allocated to 17 players, they'll have to prioritize their moves during the offseason.
Peter Baugh's report in The Athletic paints a stark picture: with over $84 million committed to just 17 players for the 2025-26 season, the Rangers face a severe cap squeeze.
Their lack of success and financial issues could lead to the team making major moves in July.
Could one of those moves in their retool end up moving $11.6 million forward Artemi Panarin who has seen his production decline this season?
While 69 points in 64 games is nothing to sneeze at, he and Mika Zibanejad have seen their production dip significantly this year. With a massive cap hit, and the production that doesn't back up the cash spent, could GM Chris Drury work his magic to find Panarin a new home?
Panarin holds an NMC (no-movement clause) and if we're talking contract he'll have to waive it in order to make a trade work for the Rangers.
When it comes to his $11.6 million salary, Panarin is due only $8 million in cash this season, but after July 1st his $7 million bonus will kick in.
If a team waits until after July 1st to make a deal, they'll only be on the hook for $1 million of his salary. An attractive option for contending teams who are often cash-strapped.
The Rangers should consider retaining half of his salary in order to make a move happen quicker while consulting Panarin on where he'd like to land next if Drury plans on trading him soon.
There are plenty of contending organizations that could use his help.
Previously on NYRangersInsider
| POLL | ||
MARS 15 | 1281 ANSWERS Recent report confirmed artemi panarin may be leaving the rangers organization in the off-season If you were GM Chris Drury of the New York Rangers where would you trade forward Artemi Panarin? | ||
| Edmonton Oilers | 588 | 45.9 % |
| Colorado Avalanche | 468 | 36.5 % |
| Carolina Hurricanes | 225 | 17.6 % |
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