Panarin Held Out for ‘Roster Management’ as Potential Trade Looms
Artemi Panarin’s Rangers career is nearing its end, as New York officially prioritizes asset protection and trade leverage ahead of the Olympic break—and the coming sell-off.
Carson Soucy was only the beginning of The Letter 2.0 retool, as the New York Rangers have made the decision to hold Artemi Panarin out of tonight's game against the New York Islanders, and the two other remaining games before the Olympic break, for "roster management" purposes.
He's not expected to play again in any games before the Olympic break. No trade to report at the moment, but it's obviously heading in that direction. #NYR https://t.co/tAEDTWCTit
— Vince Z. Mercogliano (@vzmercogliano) January 28, 2026
When The Letter 2.0 was released, Rangers general manager Chris Drury met with Panarin on the same day to inform him that the Rangers would not be offering him a new contract. Drury also gauged his willingness to waive his no-movement clause and for what teams. At this time, it is unknown where he will be heading or what the return looks like.
Panarin first came to the Rangers during the 2019 offseason, where he signed a seven-year deal worth $81.5 million. While he never had the opportunity to hoist the Stanley Cup in the Big Apple, he was a driving part of two Eastern Conference Final teams and has achieved many milestones during his time with the Blueshirts.
In each season with the Rangers, including thus far this season, Panarin has been a point-per-game player, including seasons with over 90. During the 2023-24 season, he recorded 120 points, the second most of any Ranger in a single season, behind only Jaromir Jagr.
Panarin's achievements have rewritten Rangers history, and he will be remembered as one of the all-time greats. Panarin will be leaving the organization in the top 10 in assists and points by a Ranger and also became the quickest player to reach 600 points within the organization, only needing 475 games. He was the Rangers' MVP for both the 2019-20 season and the 2023-24 season, and for both of them, he was named to the NHL All-Star team.
This season, Panarin leads the Rangers in points with 57 in 52 games played. His point total is enough to rank the 16th highest in the NHL showing teams he is still one of the best wingers in the league.
As the New York Rangers enter a new era, they must leave behind one of their top players and a fan favorite. Artemi Panarin's time with the Rangers should be remembered fondly as one of the best scorers and free agent signings in team history.
