Rangers’ Surprising Roster Decision Confirms Possible Artemi Panarin Trade

The New York Rangers already confirmed to Artemi Panarin that they’ll be moving on from him by the end of his contract, which almost certainly means he’ll be gone before the trade deadline.

Even though all signs were pointing to that conclusion, most expected New York to continue dressing their entire roster. However, Panarin’s last game with the Rangers may have come in New York’s overtime victory over the Boston Bruins on Monday night.

Artemi Panarin is not playing for the Rangers tonight vs NYI for roster reasons

Is not expected to play before the Olympic freeze, assuming nothing occurs before then

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) January 28, 2026

The Rangers aren’t going to dress Panarin until after the Olympic roster freeze, according to Elliotte Friedman. In a perfect world, for general manager Chris Drury, Panarin will have a new home before then. It’d be an awkward spot for the franchise if they start dressing the forward after the rosters freeze on February 4. New York has one game after that freeze against the Carolina Hurricanes.

Ironically, the Rangers employed the same strategy with Carson Soucy on Monday night. Before the game was over, Soucy was a member of the New York Islanders. It’s worth wondering if Drury could have a deal nearing completion and Panarin could have the same fate before the Rangers’ game against the Islanders is over on Wednesday night.

Artemi Panarin’s Possible Destinations

Speaking of the Hurricanes, Panarin could be on that roster by the time the Rangers play them on February 5. They are one of the front-runners to land the Russian forward, along with the Colorado Avalanche, Washington Capitals, and Dallas Stars.

The Rangers are looking for a similar return as the Islanders received for Brock Nelson last season. That return was a first-round pick, a third-round pick, and a top prospect. It won’t be cheap to land the scorer, but he is the type of player who can completely change the landscape of the playoff picture in the NHL.

It would be interesting if a deal were to happen before the trade freeze. That would give the acquiring team more time to get Panarin accustomed to the roster and ready for the playoff push. Drury doesn’t think he needs to wait around to make a deal.

Next: Does Artemi Panarin to the Oilers Make More Sense Than We Think?