Panarin Turns Down Rangers’ Offer as Contract Standoff Begins to Take Shape

Artemi Panarin has reportedly declined an early contract offer from the New York Rangers, setting up what could become one of the NHL’s most intriguing storylines heading toward the 2026 free agency period.

According to Elliotte Friedman on The FAN Hockey Show (Oct. 15), the Rangers approached Panarin with a proposal modeled after Anze Kopitar’s recent deal in Los Angeles — shorter term and at a reduced cap hit — but the 33-year-old winger wasn’t interested. “They went to him and said, would you be willing to take a Kopitar kind of deal, and the answer was no,” Friedman said, adding that Panarin’s camp, led by agent Paul Theofanous, is known for “swinging for home runs.”

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Panarin’s decision immediately raises questions about his future in New York. Entering the final year of his seven-year, $81.5 million contract ($11.64 million AAV), he’s set to become an unrestricted free agent in July 2026. He’s one of the big-ticket names that fans are looking at as others like Connor McDavid, Jack Eichel, Kirill Kaprizov, Kyle Connor, and more come off the board. Knowing Panarin could hold out for a bigger offer as fewer names become available, the Rangers reportedly prefer a short-term extension.

It makes sense that Panarin, who is likely to sign the last big contract of his NHL career, said no. Still, he turns 34 years old this seaso,n and a long-term deal comes with risk.

Panarin’s start to the season hasn’t helped matters. Panarin is aware that he could be better. “The last two [games], I at least feel better,” Panarin said after a recent loss. “But we still lost those games… We just got to change our way and start winning games.”

Friedman asked out loud if, whatever Panarin is asking for, the Rangers believe it makes sense for them. It’s possible the answer will be no. In the short term, perhaps they’re willing to pay a bit more, but the Rangers might be willing to walk away if the term is too long.

Panarin and the Rangers Worth Keeping an Eye On

This storyline is worth watching. Since joining the Rangers in 2019, Panarin has been their leading scorer every season and ranks fifth in NHL scoring over that span with 552 points in 435 games. His 37 goals and 89 points last season kept him among the league’s elite producers.

With superstars like Connor McDavid, Jack Eichel, and Kirill Kaprizov already locked up long-term, Panarin could become the most coveted free agent in 2026 — and he knows it. By turning down New York’s initial offer, he’s betting on his value and his ability to command one more massive payday, even if it ultimately comes from somewhere other than Broadway.

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