Trusted NHL Analyst Provides Insight Behind Star Forward's Slow Start with the New York Rangers
Photo credit: David Kirouac/Icon Sportswire
NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman appeared on the Morning Cuppa Hockey podcast today with concerning news. It's regarding his slow start this season, and what would be driving his lack of production.
The New York Rangers need every point they can squeeze out of Artemi Panarin.
He's begun his 2025-26 season in a concerning fashion, a slow start. In 14 games with the Rangers this season, he's scored 7 points (2-5).
As a pending UFA (unrestricted free agent), there are questions about his future with the Blueshirts, and we're left wondering what's with his lack of confidence (and production?).
Well, according to NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman, it's a matter of his not being extended by the New York Rangers.
"I'm not saying that Panarin's not trying ... but it's hard not to look at him and say he's affected by the fact he isn't signed next year."
Is The Fact That Artemi Panarin isn't Signed A Reason for his decline?
This would mark a second year in which we've seen Artemi Panarin fail to deliver the bread on time.
After a peak, 120-point season in 2023-24, he'd score 89 points (37-52) the following year under Peter Laviolette.
With numerous exits and hits to team morale, it looks as if the fact that GM Chris Drury didn't extend him during the offseason could be driving his lack of passion on the ice.
The $11.642 million forward signed with the New York Rangers in 2019, during free agency, and hasn't looked back since.
He's been a key piece in every playoff run since then, and it looks like he could be walking into free agency in July.
Previously on NY Rangers Insider
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