Frank Seravalli Outlines Two NY Rangers Scenarios for Artemi Panarin's Future

“I could for sure see that happening if the New York Rangers are out,” Seravalli said about a potential trade. “But I’m going to tell you this: I don’t think the Rangers are going to be out. I have the Rangers as a playoff team. I have the Rangers as a bounce-back team.”

The Two Possible Paths for NY Rangers' Artemi Panarin

Panarin’s contract carries an $11.6 million annual cap hit, and he turns 34 next season.

While Panarin's 89 points in 80 games last year marked his lowest output as a Ranger since arriving in New York ahead of the 2019-20 season, he is one season removed from a 120-point campaign.

Seravalli said a successful year with the Rangers could push New York to find common ground on an extension.

"I've got the Rangers in, and if the Rangers are in, I would assume at some point that means finding a deal for Artemi Panarin that makes sense on an extension," Servalli said.

Why Artemi Panarin Still Holds Value for the NY Rangers

The Rangers already have veterans Mika Zibanejad, Vincent Trocheck and J.T. Miller under long-term deals, so Panarin's age and career timeline go in parallel to theirs.

That said, the aging Rangers core and the decision to re-sign Panarin could raise questions about how much cap space can be devoted to another aging forward.

Despite playoff criticism, Panarin remains New York’s highest points-per-game scorer in franchise history, and Seravalli made sure to highlight his current value to the franchise.

“I know Ranger fans can be upset," Seravalli said. "It's a hot-button subject because they think, 'Hey, got to find a way to win with Artemi Panarin in the playoffs. Maybe he's not the guy that can get this team over the hump.'

"I've got lots of faith in Artemi Panarin, and I think there's a deal on the table that makes sense for both sides or will be at some point during this upcoming season. Let's see how that plays out."

The Rangers are starting a new era under coach Mike Sullivan after finishing with 85 points last season, missing the playoffs one year after posting 114 regular-season points and making it all the way to the Eastern Conference finals, where they lost to the eventual champion Florida Panthers.