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Rangers’ Artemi Panarin sidelined until Olympic roster freeze

Originally posted on Ball Exclusives | By Cameron Joyce | Last updated Jan 28, 2026 10:10 PM ET

The New York Rangers have announced that Artemi Panarin is out for all games before the Olympics due to asset management. The NHL Olympic roster freeze begins Feb. 4, and the NHL trade deadline is March 6.

Artemi Panarin is OUT of the lineup for the Rangers tonight and for all games before the Olympics due to asset management pic.twitter.com/cOEzUWLUsO

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) January 28, 2026

Panarin signed with the Rangers for a seven-year $81.5 million dollar contract back on July 1, 2019. He has played 482 games for the Rangers, achieving 205 goals and 402 assists.

It has been quite the disappointing first half of the season for the Rangers. The team is currently last in the Eastern Conference with a 22-25-6 record, with a 2-8 record in their last 10 games.

Panarin has been a bright spot for the Rangers this season. The 34-year old has 19 goals and 38 assists across 52 games this season. He is the only Ranger averaging more than a point per game this season.

As of now, Panarin could see himself landing with a top contending team. Potential targets are the Colorado Avalanche, Minnesota Wild, or Dallas Stars. All are teams who are looking to add offensive firepower and make a deep playoff run.

This article first appeared on Ball Exclusives and was syndicated with permission.

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