Dennis Schneidler-Imagn Images

NHL Insider 'Bullish' on NY Rangers Playoff Chances with Key Forward Still in Mix

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Aug 14, 2025 6:13 AM ET

Nearly a month after weighing in on New York Rangers star winger Artemi Panarin’s future, NHL insider Frank Seravalli addressed the franchise's outlook in a new livestream.

Seravalli envisions a quick rebound season for the Rangers, with the Russian star still at the forefront, after both the team and the player endured a tough year in 2025, following their appearance in the Eastern Conference finals in 2024.

During Tuesday's "Insider Notebook" for Bleacher Report, Seravalli said the team is primed to rejoin the playoff race after missing the cut last year with an 85-point, fifth-place finish in the Metropolitan Division.

“I don't think (the Rangers should sell off and acquire valuable prospects and draft picks). I think the Rangers are a playoff team. I think they’re bouncing right back into it,” Seravalli said. “They’re going to have new blood with a new coach, new energy. They have to defend better as a team, but maybe the coaching will help with some of that…

"I’m bullish on the Rangers. I think they’re in a prime spot to compete.”

Why Artemi Panarin’s Value Remains Intact

While Panarin has faced criticism for his lower postseason production compared to his regular-season numbers, Seravalli defended the winger's impact over 82 games as equally valuable.

"I know people have complained he’s not the guy you win with in the playoffs, but man, is he a good player and, man, does he help you win in the regular season?” Seravalli said.

Panarin, 33, led New York in scoring last season with 37 goals and 52 assists for 89 points in 80 games. In the 2023-24 season, Panarin notched a career-high 120 points in 82 games (1.46 points per game) but only added 15 points in 16 postseason outings (0.93 PTS/G).

The veteran forward is entering the final season of his seven-year, $81.5 million contract and will become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2026 if no extension is reached.

“Let's see what happens in this last year with Panarin, and then what they decide to do next on that front, as well," Seravalli said.

High Stakes for New York and Artemi Panarin as Rangers Start Mike Sullivan Era

After he led the team to the playoffs but failed to clinch a postseason berth last season, Peter Laviolette found himself fired in May.

Out went Laviolette and in came Mike Sullivan, a two-time Stanley Cup champion with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Rangers general manager Chris Drury cited Sullivan’s championship pedigree and international coaching experience as key factors in the hire.

With a new coach on the bench, Panarin playing on an expiring contract, and an aging core approaching the end of its contending window, the Rangers will navigate something close to a now-or-never season before the franchise is forced into undergoing a retooling or a rebuilding of the roster.

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

More must-reads: