Headline: Why the Rangers Shouldn’t Rush Into an Artemi Panarin Extension Decision…see more…
As the New York Rangers continue to reshape their roster in pursuit of a Stanley Cup, one of the biggest questions looming over the franchise is the future of star winger Artemi Panarin. With two years remaining on his current seven-year, $81.5 million contract signed in 2019, discussions about a potential extension are already surfacing. However, despite Panarin’s elite production and importance to the team, the Rangers would be wise to approach any extension talks with patience and caution.
Panarin is coming off a career-best season in 2024-25, recording 49 goals and 120 points in 82 games—earning him a spot among the league’s top scorers. At 33, the “Breadman” is still playing at an MVP-caliber level and remains the Rangers’ most dynamic offensive weapon. It’s easy to understand why some in the fan base and front office may want to lock him up beyond 2027. But timing and long-term planning are everything in the salary-cap era, and committing to another big-money deal for a player approaching his mid-30s carries significant risk.
For starters, aging curves in the NHL are real. Very few forwards sustain elite production deep into their 30s. While Panarin has shown no signs of slowing down yet, it’s rare for players to maintain this level of play well into the latter stages of their careers. Even the league’s best superstars, like Sidney Crosby and Patrick Kane, have seen their roles evolve and numbers decline gradually with age. If the Rangers were to sign Panarin to another long-term deal starting in 2027—when he’ll be 35—they’d be betting against decades of historical trends.
Secondly, the financial implications cannot be ignored. The Rangers already have several large contracts on the books, including long-term commitments to Mika Zibanejad, Adam Fox, and Igor Shesterkin (should he re-sign at market value next summer). Additionally, the franchise must plan for the future of young talents like Alexis Lafrenière, K’Andre Miller, and Brennan Othmann, all of whom could require substantial pay raises in the coming seasons.
Locking Panarin into another deal with a cap hit north of $10 million would make it increasingly difficult to build a well-rounded roster. Even if the NHL salary cap continues to rise incrementally, the Rangers risk becoming top-heavy—a problem they have struggled with in recent postseasons when depth scoring and physicality have been lacking.
Another important consideration is Panarin’s postseason performance. While he was excellent in the 2025 playoffs, historically his numbers have dipped in the postseason compared to the regular season. Prior to this year, he was widely criticized for disappearing in big games, a narrative that followed him after a lackluster 2023-24 playoff series. Although one strong playoff run helps, it may not be enough to erase years of uneven postseason results.
Furthermore, the Rangers are in a pivotal era where flexibility and adaptability are crucial. With new head coach Mike Sullivan now guiding the team, the franchise is likely entering a period of strategic evolution. Sullivan will need the freedom to mold the team’s identity based on merit, versatility, and youth development. Prematurely committing to aging veterans, no matter how beloved or skilled, can limit that flexibility.
That’s not to say Panarin doesn’t deserve praise or consideration. He has been an outstanding Ranger—averaging over a point per game every season since joining the team and providing leadership and offensive spark. His skill, vision, and playmaking remain among the league’s best. He has also embraced New York and become a fan favorite, which holds weight in a media market where stars are essential both on and off the ice.
But from a strategic standpoint, the best course of action is to wait and assess. If Panarin continues to produce at an elite level through the 2025-26 season, the Rangers can revisit extension talks with more clarity. By then, they will have a better understanding of where their cap situation stands, how their prospects have developed, and whether Panarin still fits into the long-term vision of a championship contender.
Additionally, Panarin himself may be open to a shorter-term deal at a reduced cap hit if he wants to stay in New York and compete for a Stanley Cup. A “legacy contract” similar to what veterans like Patrice Bergeron and Joe Pavelski signed late in their careers could benefit both parties—keeping Panarin in the fold while maintaining financial balance.
It’s also worth noting that waiting doesn’t mean parting ways. The Rangers hold all the leverage. Panarin has a full no-movement clause, and he has shown no desire to leave. Unless there is an unexpected decline in production or injury concerns, there’s no reason for the front office to panic or act prematurely. Let the situation unfold naturally.
Ultimately, patience will be key. The Rangers must weigh loyalty and past performance against future flexibility and roster balance. Artemi Panarin has been a vital part of the franchise’s resurgence, but his next contract must be approached with long-term vision, not emotion. Rushing into an extension could limit their championship window rather than extend it.
In a league where timing and cap efficiency often separate contenders from pretenders, the Rangers should stay focused on today’s goals—developing young talent, building depth, and supporting Mike Sullivan’s new system. Panarin will undoubtedly be a huge part of that journey, but the decision on his future should be made when the picture is clearer, not while the ink is still drying on this
past season’s highlights.
