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Nov 16, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers left wing Artemi Panarin (10) passes the puck against the Detroit Red Wings during the third period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images John Jones-Imagn Images

Rangers' Mike Sullivan Sends Clear Message to Star Defenseman

Originally posted on Breakaway on SI | By Deepanjan Mitra | Last updated Nov 22, 2025 10:20 AM ET

The New York Rangers have been a struggling side this season. With just 10 wins across 22 games, the side has had a disastrous performance on their blue line. However, while the fans have been voicing for new trades, others want current stars like Artemi Panarin to add their weight on the blue line.

Panarin has been one of the NHL's most dangerous offensive players since arriving in New York, capable of turning any shift into a highlight reel. At 33 years old, he's still producing at an elite level, driving the Rangers' attack with the kind of skill that makes him worth every penny of his massive contract.

But skill can only take you so far when the puck's in your own zone. After another game where defensive lapses cost the Rangers, head coach Mike Sullivan was asked directly if he needs more from Panarin on the defensive side of the puck. His answer didn't pull any punches.

Sullivan's Blunt Assessment

Sullivan didn't dance around the question. He made it clear that while Panarin will never be mistaken for a Selke Trophy candidate, there's a baseline standard everyone has to meet — and right now, that's the conversation he's having with his star winger.

#NYR coach Mike Sullivan was asked if he needs more from Artemi Panarin defensively:

“I’ve had a lot of conversations with Artemi throughout the course of the season. We don’t expect him to be the best defensive player out there, but everyone’s required to play defense – and…
— Mollie Walker (@MollieeWalkerr) November 21, 2025

"I've had a lot of conversations with Artemi throughout the course of the season," Sullivan said recently. "We don't expect him to be the best defensive player out there, but everyone's required to play defense – and that's the conversation that we have."

"Everybody's got to be committed to playing defense to a certain level, or it's going to be hard for us to win consistently. And those are the conversations that I've had with him; it's just recognizing when those situations are when you've got to lock down."

Everybody knows he drives offense; he's a talented player. But I think he's also capable of defending when he's committed. "The key phrase there?" When he's committed." Sullivan isn't questioning Panarin's ability to defend. No, he's questioning his willingness to do it consistently. That's a message sent not just to Panarin, but to the entire locker room.

A Team-Wide Standard

For the Rangers to compete with the best teams in the Metropolitan Division, they can't afford to have passengers in their own zone. Sullivan knows that winning in today's NHL requires everyone to buy in defensively, especially when games get tight and every shift matters.

Panarin's offensive brilliance is undeniable, but the Rangers aren't just trying to outscore their problems anymore. They're trying to build a team capable of winning playoff hockey, where defensive structure and commitment often matter more than raw talent.

Sullivan's public comments feel like a line in the sand. The Rangers need Panarin to be great offensively; that's a given. But they also need him to recognize the moments when locking down defensively is the difference between two points and none.

The question now is simple: will Panarin respond, or will this become a recurring theme as the season grinds on?

This article first appeared on Breakaway on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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