Rangers Won’t Sign Artemi Panarin to Extension, Trade Being Discussed

The New York Rangers’ decision to formally announce a “retool” may have just accelerated one of the biggest trade storylines of the season: Artemi Panarin’s future in Manhattan.

Following the release of a letter from President and General Manager Chris Drury outlining a shift in direction, multiple insiders report that Panarin has been informed he will not be offered a contract extension.

According to Elliotte Friedman, Drury met individually with members of the Rangers’ leadership group before the letter went public and also held a one-on-one meeting with Panarin himself.

As part of that conversation, Panarin was told the organization is prepared to work with him and his agent, Paul Theofanous, to facilitate a trade — to a destination of his choosing.

Panarin holds a full no-move clause and could elect to play out the season. However, the clarity of the message appears to open the door for an imminent deal. With roughly seven weeks until the trade deadline, Panarin now understands where he stands and can decide whether to chase a Stanley Cup elsewhere this spring or wait things out.

A Panarin Deal Out of New York Felt Inevitable

This news follows reports from TSN’s Darren Dreger, who noted that past discussions around an extension were already trending poorly from Panarin’s perspective. The Rangers’ statement on Friday that this “will not be a rebuild” but rather a retool around their core and prospects suggests impending turnover — particularly among pending unrestricted free agents.

Panarin won’t be the only name to watch. There is growing belief that the Rangers will explore moving Vincent Trocheck, while defenseman Carson Soucy, another pending UFA, is also expected to draw interest. The situation could place pressure on other veterans with no-move clauses as well.

Panarin, still one of the league’s most dynamic offensive players, would immediately become a top target for contenders looking to bolster their scoring for a playoff run.

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