Artemi Panarin’s Future with Rangers: A Tale of Two Stars

The Rangers are exploring the possibility of Artemi Panarin taking less to help the team gain a competitive edge, similar to what Anze Kopitar did for the Kings.

I understand, at some point in the off-season, the Rangers had that kind of conceptual conversation with Panarin: ‘Is there a way you could do for the Rangers what Kopitar did for the Kings?’ Elliotte Friedman, Sportsnet

Panarin’s Contract Talks: The Key Details

• Panarin is set to hit the open market in 2026, with Connor McDavid, Kirill Kaprizov, and Jack Eichel also in the mix.
• Panarin’s current contract has a cap hit of $11.6 million, the highest among wingers in the league.
• The Rangers are looking at the situation, aiming to make a move if possible on a new deal for the 33-year-old winger.

Learning from Kopitar’s Negotiations

Two years ago, Anze Kopitar agreed to a two-year extension with the Kings at $7 million per year, which will take him to retirement at the end of this season.

An Update on Alex Pietrangelo’s Situation

While initially announced as retired in late June, Alex Pietrangelo met with the Vegas media on Monday and expressed feeling better, leaving the door open for a potential return to the NHL.

The issue for the Golden Knights is the playoff cap, which means Pietrangelo’s $8.8-million cap hit must be addressed carefully. Lori Kurtz, Pietrangelo’s agent, confirmed that no application had been made to the league for full salary relief.

What’s Next for Pietrangelo?

The Golden Knights are faced with the challenge of managing Pietrangelo’s contract without exploiting any cap loopholes, which could make his situation one to monitor throughout the season.

FAQ

• Why might Panarin consider taking less? Similar to Kopitar’s situation, he could help the Rangers gain a competitive edge and solidify a contender’s status for the future.
• What challenges does Pietrangelo’s situation present for the Golden Knights? The playoff cap and lack of cap loopholes make managing Pietrangelo’s contract complex, as full salary relief requires a league application and the player’s agreement.

Pro Tip

Keep an eye on both Panarin’s contract negotiations with the Rangers and Pietrangelo’s potential return to the NHL for any updates that could significantly impact the futures of both players and their respective teams.

Time to Weigh In

What do you think: Should Panarin take less on a new contract with the Rangers, and could Pietrangelo realistically return to the NHL this season? Share your thoughts in the comments below!