The New York Rangers have dramatically reignited their National Hockey League (NHL) playoff campaign with a formidable late push, winning five of their last six outings. This impressive run has propelled their record from a concerning 10-11-2 to a more competitive 15-12-2, injecting fresh hope into their season. However, a significant cloud of uncertainty hangs over the team's marquee player, Artemi Panarin, despite the recent success.
The Looming Trade Deadline Dilemma
According to NHL reporter Mollie Walker, speaking on The Sheet with Jeff Marek, Rangers General Manager Chris Drury could be forced to consider a blockbuster trade involving Panarin if the team's resurgence falters and they fall out of the playoff race. This speculation is startling given Panarin's status as the team's leading scorer. Walker emphasised that the club's performance in the coming weeks will be critical in shaping Drury's decision-making as the trade deadline approaches.
Walker articulated the high-stakes scenario on the podcast: "If they really fall off and they don't make the playoffs again… it would be negligent on Chris Drury not to use Artemi Panarin and see what kind of haul they can get for him." The context adds pressure: missing the playoffs for two consecutive seasons would be unacceptable within the organisation.
Panarin's Contract and Stellar Form
Artemi Panarin is in the final year of his massive seven-year contract worth $81.5 million, carrying a substantial salary cap hit of $11.64 million. He is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2026, making his long-term future a pivotal strategic decision for the Rangers' front office.
Ironically, amid the trade chatter, Panarin remains the offensive engine for the Blueshirts. He has tallied an impressive 30 points in just 29 games this season, ranking him among the league's elite playmakers. The Rangers have generally been solid defensively but have struggled with inconsistent scoring, partly due to injuries. Their current hot streak has bought time and likely encourages patience from the management for now.
A Milestone Night in Ottawa
The Rangers' recent 4-2 victory over the Ottawa Senators was highlighted by a personal milestone for Panarin. He recorded a goal and an assist to reach the 900-point mark for his NHL career. This achievement makes him one of the fastest undrafted players in league history to reach that prestigious number.
Reflecting on the accomplishment, Panarin said, "It means a lot. It also means I’ve had a long time in this league." The win was a collective effort, with Mika Zibanejad, Will Borgen, and Vladislav Gavrikov also finding the net. J.T. Miller contributed three assists, while goaltender Igor Shesterkin stopped 25 shots to secure the team's 12th road win—the highest such tally in the NHL currently.
As the trade deadline looms, the New York Rangers find themselves at a crossroads. Their performance in the next few weeks will not only determine their playoff fate but could also decide whether a franchise cornerstone like Artemi Panarin remains on Broadway or becomes the centrepiece of a major organisational reshuffle.
