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Artemi Panarin Breaks Silence on Contract Year With Rangers

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Sep 19, 2025 10:05 AM ET

Artemi Panarin opened New York Rangers training camp Thursday with his first public comments on his expiring contract, but the star winger made it clear that negotiations will remain private.

Panarin, who is entering the final season of his seven-year, $81.5 million deal, declined to provide an update on where talks with the Rangers stand.

“I watched the press conference yesterday, too,” Panarin said, referring to general manager Chris Drury’s remarks. “I’m the same way: can’t speak right now for public. Focusing on hockey, trying to show my best.”

Drury acknowledged Panarin’s importance to the franchise Wednesday but emphasized that any discussions with the player and his agent, Paul Theofanous, would stay behind closed doors.

Rangers' Artemi Panarin addresses expiring contract, declines comment on settlement report https://t.co/iB9VubhwXP
— The Athletic NHL (@TheAthleticNHL) September 18, 2025

“[Panarin] is a huge piece of our team and our organization,” Drury said. “As far as the contract stuff, I’ve also said on record, and as you know, I don’t get into negotiations publicly. Any conversations I have with Artemi or his representation will stay that way.”

Panarin, who will turn 34 in October, admitted he values the idea of having long-term security but insisted he is comfortable with the uncertainty, as he has navigated similar situations in the past.

“That’s obviously good for everyone to feel that [comfort],” Panarin said. “But it’s not my first year in hockey. I’m used to being in those situations. I can’t complain about that. I’m ready to work hard.”

Since signing with New York in 2019, Panarin has led the team in scoring each season and sits fourth in the NHL in points over that span with 550.

Two years ago, Panarin scored a career-high 49 goals and 120 points, helping the Rangers to their second Eastern Conference Finals in three years.

Last season, however, Panarin's production dropped a bit, with the Russian winger notching 89 points in 80 regular-season games as the Rangers failed to make the playoffs.

"It was all right," Panarin said. "Obviously, after bad games you're thinking too much sometimes, but good games you enjoy more than usual."

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

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