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Artemi Panarin Admits Confusion Over Rangers' Roster Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Jan 19, 2026 8:00 AM ET

The New York Rangers continue to search for answers during a season that has steadily slipped away from their postseason-at-minimum expectations.

Saturday’s 6–3 win over the Philadelphia Flyers halted a five-game losing skid, but it did little to change the larger picture. New York entered the night last in the Eastern Conference and it remains there entering Monday's slate.

That horrid position has prompted the organization to undergo an internal review, leading to Friday's developments when Rangers president and general manager Chris Drury released a letter to fans acknowledging the disappointment with the season to date and outlining a new direction.

Drury described the plan as a “retool built around our core players and prospects,” emphasizing that it would not be a rebuild, even though it's increasingly looking like that will be the outcome.

Artemi Panarin admitted it's hard to say how he feels knowing his time left with the Rangers is limited.

"Still confused, but, yeah, the team decided to go in a different direction. I'm OK with that. I'm a Rangers player right now so I've got to play every game 100 percent."
— Dan Rosen (@drosennhl) January 17, 2026

Veteran Rangers winger Artemi Panarin was among the players approached directly by New York's brass, per Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.

Friedman reported on Friday that Drury met individually with members of the team’s leadership group before speaking to the roster as a whole, with Panarin being one of those.

During those conversations, the Russian star was informed that he would not be offered a contract extension and that the organization was prepared to work with him and his agent on a potential trade before the March 6 deadline.

Panarin, who holds a full no-movement clause in his contract and could veto any trade, spoke publicly for the first time after Saturday’s game.

New York Rangers forward Artemi Panarin (10) during a stop in play.Bob Frid-Imagn Images

“It’s hard to say how I feel,” Panarin said. “I’m still confused, but the GM decided to go in a different direction. I’m OK with that. I’m a Rangers player right now, so I’ll play every game 100 percent.”

When asked about possible next steps or destinations, Panarin declined to elaborate.

“I actually said everything I want to say about this situation. Let’s talk about hockey,” Panarin said. “I’m trying to be smart (in picking his next team) for once in my life.”

On the ice, Panarin’s response was immediate, as he scored two goals and added an assist on Saturday, continuing to lead the Rangers in scoring with 54 points (18 goals, 36 assists) on the season.

Panarin, 34, is in the final season of a seven-year, $81.5 million deal signed in 2019, and he's set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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