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Pierre LeBrun Reveals Details on Rangers' Potential Artemi Panarin Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Oct 31, 2025 12:42 PM ET

The New York Rangers have stumbled out of the gate under new head coach Mike Sullivan, opening the season 5-5-2 and struggling to find consistency on offense.

The slow start has renewed speculation around the futures of several veterans, including star winger Artemi Panarin.

According to The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun, the Rangers have not begun formal negotiations on a contract extension for Panarin, who is in the final season of his seven-year, $81.5 million deal and eligible for unrestricted free agency next July.

LeBrun reported that while the Rangers have “a ton of respect and appreciation” for what Panarin has done, the front office plans to wait before engaging in serious talks.

On the Cooley signing and how it relates to Bedard/Carlsson, on Necas signing, on Panarin, Zacha, J. Robertson and Frozen Frenzy tweaks. All in my weekend Rumblings for ⁦@TheAthletic⁩ ⤵️ https://t.co/Jt7ks565t2
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) October 31, 2025

“For the moment, my sense of the situation is that it’s very early in the season,” LeBrun wrote. “The Rangers want to see how things go and therefore are not in a hurry to get going more seriously on talks to extend the pending UFA winger.”

According to LeBrun, the term of Panarin's next contract is expected to be a key factor in talks for an extension, as Panarin is unlikely to consider a short-term deal, while the Rangers would prefer a shorter commitment because of his age.

"If and when those talks get going again in a meaningful way, term may be the issue. Panarin turned 34 on Thursday,” LeBrun wrote. “I don’t think he’ll be open to a short-term deal, which would probably be the Rangers’ preference."

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

Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman has also discussed Panarin’s situation of late, noting that his performance this season will likely determine his chances of staying in New York.

“If he’s gonna stay in New York, at what he wants, he’s gonna have to have the kind of year that makes them say we got to do this,” Friedman said.

Through 12 games, Panarin has scored two goals and assisted on five more for seven total points, and it looks like his production and the Rangers’ results could shape whether the two sides explore an extension or part ways before free agency.

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

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