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Artemi Panarin's Reported Contract Demand Leaves Rangers With Major Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Nov 5, 2025 10:49 AM ET

Artemi Panarin’s future with the New York Rangers remains unresolved as contract negotiations have hit a standstill.

According to Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos, writing about Panarin's situation in Tuesday's "Real Kypers" column, Panair has made clear what he won't accept from the Rangers in a potential contract extension.

Panarin, 34, is set to become a UFA after the season and holds a full no-movement clause in his seven-year, $81.5 million deal. Per Kypreos, Panarin has informed the Rangers that he will not accept a reduction from his current $11.642 million salary, effectively halting all talks with New York at this stage of negotiations.

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“The pending UFA has made it clear to the Rangers that he is not interested in a pay cut,” Kypreos wrote. “That has shut down any chance of negotiations. The Rangers don’t want him at that same rate again.”

Without clarity on Panarin’s cap figure, general manager Chris Drury is limited in making other roster decisions and planning for the future.

As reported by The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun, the Rangers appreciate Panarin but have not entered deep talks for a contract extension, and are not currently shopping Panarin. Kypreos, however, noted that Panarin “holds all the cards with a no-movement clause.”

While teams like the Carolina Hurricanes and Minnesota Wild have shown interest, Kypreos wrote, “I don’t get the sense he wants to leave New York at all for now.”

New York Rangers left wing Artemi Panarin (10) during a stoppage in play.Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images

Panarin is believed to prefer staying with the Rangers, where he has spent the last seven seasons including this one, and may be willing to wait out the season, then test the open market.

“If the Rangers don’t eventually hit his price tag, he might be content to play out the remainder of his contract,” Kypreos added.

Panarin has racked up 557 points in 444 regular-season games with the Rangers, already ranking 12th all-time in total points in the franchise's record books. He has scored seven points in 14 games this season.

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

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