Are the New York Rangers Considering Parting Ways with Artemi Panarin?

Igor Burdetskiy June 28, 2022

1 1 minute read

The 2022 NHL Entry Draft is approaching along with the free agent frenzy period. Trade rumors are ramping up and the latest rumor has the New York Rangers looking to trade Artemi Panarin.

Arthur Staple of The Athletic reports two league sources leaked some info to Staple stating that Rangers GM Chris Drury was unhappy with Panarin’s playoff performance. He was inconsistent and did not provide the impact that a player making $11.6 million should make.

Staple went on to say, if there is a rift between Panarin and Drury, Panarin could request a trade. Artemi did put up 16 points in 20 games played this past postseason.

New York is in a very tough situation with the Rangers salary cap. If Alexis Lafreniere has a breakout season in 2022-23 and he is coming off his entry-level contract, he could command a big raise next offseason.

K’Andre Miller is going to get a big raise in the summer of 2023 and if the Rangers do not find a way to shed salary over this summer and at the end of next season, New York will not be able to afford both Lafreniere and Miller.

Neither Panarin nor Drury have commented on Staple’s report. If the Rangers GM had an issue with his post-season play, he likely raised it during the exit interviews.

Could the ‘rift’ be a ploy by Drury to gage interest from other teams for a Panarin trade?

One thing to keep in mind about a potential Panarin trade. He still has another four years left on his contract at a mega cap hit of $11.6 million and he has a full no-move clause, so he controls where he wants to go IF he wants to be traded.

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Igor Burdetskiy

Founder, Editor-in-Chief, & CEO at Hooked on Hockey Magazine

I grew up playing Ball and Roller Hockey day and night somewhat religiously throughout elementary and middle school. The two don't compare though when I lace up the skates and hit the ice. I live and breathe hockey beyond the perspective of "it's just a game" and I will gladly talk hockey for hours with anyone. Hockey is more than just a lifestyle, it's a culture of passionate people who make memories every time the puck is dropped. Hockey has not only helped me get through some of the hardest times in life but has created some of the best memories to date. Want to talk hockey with me? Shoot me an email: iburdetskiy@hookedonhockey.com and let's talk some hockey!