Artemi Panarin wants a contract extension as part of a potential trade

The New York Rangers“The handling of Artemi Panarin has made it increasingly clear that a big decision is inevitable as the Olympic break and the trade deadline approach. Panarin was left out of the lineup for roster management reasons in Wednesday’s 5–2 loss to the New York Islanders and is not expected to play again before the Olympic roster freeze begins on Feb. 4. The Rangers have three games left in that freeze, but the organization has decided to protect what is considered their most valuable trade asset.

Panarin is in the final year of a seven-year contract worth approximately $81-81.5 million, with an average annual value of around $11.6 million and a full no-movement clause. That clause gives the 34-year-old winger full control over any potential destination. Panarin made it clear that he wanted to contract extension agreed before waiving his clause and approving any trade, according to TSN and NHL insider Chris Johnston. If that condition is not met, he could remain in New York until the end of the season and enter free agency on July 1.

Through 52 games this season, he leads the Rangers in scoring with 57 points, consisting of 19 goals and 38 assists, despite posting a career-low minus-16 rating. Since joining New York as a free agent ahead of the 2019–20 season, he has led the team in scoring each year. Panarin amassed 607 points (205 goals, 402 assists) in 482 games with the Rangers and scored at least 80 points in five different seasons, including four over 90. He also helped lead the franchise to the Eastern Conference Finals twice.

Behind the scenes, the direction of the organization has already been outlined. Rangers president and general manager Chris Drury informed Panarin in a private meeting that the team had no plans to re-sign him and intended to trade him as part of a broader retooling effort. Drury later reiterated that message publicly in a letter to fans. Retaining Panarin before the break minimizes injury risk and preserves his trade value, especially given the leverage his no-movement clause already provides.

Multiple teams have been linked to Panarin, although financial realities complicate matters. The Dallas Stars and Colorado Avalanche have been mentioned as potential connections. Carolina’s combination of available cap space, draft resources and recent history of pursuing high-caliber offensive talent makes it a logical landing spot. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Kings have plenty of projected flexibility in goal, and the impending retirement of Ange Kopitar creates a clear need for a power forward. The Detroit Red Wings have also been cited as a possibility given their cap space and playoff pressure, and the Vegas Golden Knights continue to be mentioned whenever high-profile players become available. The Washington Capitals are presented as a more speculative option, with significant cap space, but several internal roster decisions are still unresolved.

With the Olympics approaching and the March 6 trade deadline looming, Panarin’s need for an extension is a major hurdle. That could limit Rangers’ options, but wherever he lands, it will be on his terms.