Rangers’ Bold Approach to a Panarin Trade Makes Timing Critical

The New York Rangers might very well end up trading Artemi Panarin off their roster. However, before they do that, they need to know precisely what kind of team they are and where they stand this season. According to NHL insider Frank Seravalli, the Rangers won’t shy away from trading Panarin if they believe it’s the right thing to do. They simply don’t know that yet.

Panarin is entering the final year of his contract and is set to become an unrestricted free agent after this season. Speculation has swirled about him being moved ahead of the trade deadline, particularly given the team’s less-than-ideal start to the season. Panarin started slowly as well, but did recently break out of a slump with a four-point performance against the Montreal Canadiens.

Seravalli is reporting that a trade could certainly happen this season, but also notes that the Rangers want a “real clear indication” of the team’s current strength before making any decisions. “Do I think Chris Drury and company will be afraid to trade Panarin if they’re going nowhere? No — not even in the slightest,” he said. The NHL insider noted that New York has never been afraid to pull the trigger on big trades in the past.

Perhaps Panarin Is Not the Problem In New York

Servalli isn’t sold that Panarin is a problem in New York. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the superstar, Seravalli remains bullish on both the Rangers and the winger’s place there. He still believes the Rangers can get going, especially with Igor Shesterkin in goal and the team adjusting to Mike Sullivan’s system. Their home-ice struggles and offensive shortcomings won’t last forever.

“The Rangers want to see how good this team is in the here and now before making a decision on Panarin,” Seravalli explained. Any trade talk will likely hinge on whether New York believes it can contend this season, making Panarin’s fate a storyline to follow throughout 2025.

For now, no immediate move is expected. The Rangers are focused on evaluating their roster, which includes evaluating where Panarin fits on it.

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