The talented player Artemi Panarin did not participate in the New York Rangers’ 5-2 loss to the Islanders on Wednesday night, according to the team’s announcement, due to “roster management” reasons.Sources reported that Panarin is expected to be sidelined until the end of the calls for the Olympic Games, suggesting that he may have played his last game with the organization, as efforts are underway to facilitate a transfer.
Strategic Decision of the Rangers
Earlier this month, the Rangers announced that they are in a restructuring process following a disappointing first half of the season. On the same day, General Manager Chris Drury met with Panarin and informed him that the team would not offer him a contract extension when the 34-year-old player becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer.Panarin has a full no-movement clause, and the Rangers informed the star winger that they would collaborate with him and his agent to facilitate a deal with his preferred destination.Panarin’s agent is permitted to negotiate an extension with any team for which Panarin waives his no-movement clause, according to sources. Panarin’s preference is to change teams with a new deal in place. Several teams remain in the running.
The Impact of Panarin
Panarin is considered one of the most important signings in Rangers history, and is about to finish the seventh year of an $81.5 million contract he signed in July 2019. The skillful winger has been the Rangers’ top scorer in five of the last six seasons.The Rangers would be willing to retain part of Panarin’s $11.6 million salary, but are still seeking significant compensation and hope to obtain a first-round pick and a high-level prospect or a young player from the roster.The Rangers have already begun restructuring, after trading defenseman Carson Soucy to the Islanders on Monday. This was only the fourth time that the rival New York franchises have made a trade.The team, which is looking to establish a new, younger identity, is also receiving calls about defenseman Braden Schneider and veteran center Vincent Trocheck, who, according to sources, are the other two Rangers players most likely to be traded this season.The call-up freeze for the NHL Olympic Games begins on February 4 at 3 p.m. ET and runs until February 22.
