The New York Rangers are playing it cool when it comes to extending star winger Artemi Panarin’s contract – and there might be a really interesting reason why.
Panarin, who put up an impressive 89 points last season, is heading into the final year of his massive $81.5 million deal with the Rangers.
But team management isn’t exactly rushing to the negotiating table.
"Our sense is he’s in no big rush," reported The Athletic’s Peter Baugh and Vincent Z. Mercogliano about Rangers GM Chris Drury’s approach to the situation.
Here’s where things get interesting: The Rangers seem to be eyeing some major talent that could hit the market in 2026. We’re talking about superstars like Connor McDavid, Jack Eichel, and Kyle Connor.
But there’s one name that’s really catching their attention: Kirill Kaprizov.
The 28-year-old Minnesota Wild star just did something that turned heads across the NHL – he turned down what would have been the biggest contract in league history.
That’s huge news for the Rangers, especially since Kaprizov and Panarin share the same agent, Paul Theofanous.
"If any make it to market or come available via trade, expect Drury to be aggressive," Baugh and Mercogliano noted. "The situation in Minnesota… bears watching."
For now, Panarin remains a key piece of the Rangers’ puzzle. The 33-year-old showed he’s still got plenty left in the tank last season, lighting up the scoreboard with 37 goals and 52 assists in 80 games.
But with 2026’s potential free-agent bonanza looming, the Rangers might be keeping their options – and their checkbook – open.
