Media Bytes: All Eyes on Panarin Edition
Is a Panarin deal close, or quietly stalling out? This early edition of Media Bytes breaks down new reporting, extension hurdles, and the growing risk for the Rangers.
Welcome back to Media Bytes, a weekly column from Blueshirt Banter. Every Sunday, we’ll help you start the week right with a quick catch-up on the latest stories and developments around the New York Rangers and the broader NHL media landscape.
Today we're bringing you a special early edition of Media Bytes, because this week's media cycle has been red hot and it's only Tuesday. So, enjoy this extra Panarin-only edition, and we'll be back with you again on Sunday with more.
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Hurry Up and Wait
1. On Monday's episode of the DFO Rundown podcast, Jason Gregor and Jeff Marek discussed the potential urgency surrounding a pending Artemi Panarin trade. Gregor opened with a simple question: do the Rangers need to move Panarin before the Olympic break?
"I don't think they have to get it done," Marek said. "This is going to be a massive deal for Chris Drury, especially considering he's effectively waved the white flag. They have to get this right, particularly when you look at what the Islanders got last year for Brock Nelson. Until Drury finds that kind of return, I don't think there's real pressure."
Gregor wasn't so sure. He pointed out that holding a player out of the lineup is usually a sign a deal is imminent. "Normally when you hold a guy out, you're really close to making a trade," he said, questioning whether this was simply more dysfunction inside the organization. "Teams have talks all the time, but you don't put your team on pause because of talks."
Gregor referenced Rasmus Andersson, who was held out earlier this year and traded shortly thereafter, noting that situations like that often resolve within a day or two. "If [the Rangers] get to the Olympic break and Panarin hasn't played in a week, that tells me the organization isn't operating at the most professional level," Gregor added. "As a GM, you should know whether you're close to a deal or not."
