Rangers in no rush to extend key winger — and that could spell bad news for Wild

The New York Rangers and left winger Artemi Panarin don't seem to be in a rush to advance contract-extension talks, and the reason could directly impact the Minnesota Wild.

According to The Athletic's Peter Baugh and Vincent Z. Mercogliano, despite Panarin's elite player status, the Rangers' management is not in a hurry to extend his contract.

"(Rangers GM Chris) Drury will have to decide how aggressively he wants to pursue an extension with Panarin before or during the season. Our sense is he’s in no big rush," Baugh and Mercogliano reported.

Panarin, 33, is entering the final year of his seven-year, $81.5 million contract with the Blueshirts. But what is the reason for the lack of urgency?

New York Rangers eye 2026 free-agent class, putting Artemi Panarin extension talks on hold

It seems the Rangers are keeping an eye on the 2026 free-agent class, which could include players like Connor McDavid, Jack Eichel, Kyle Connor and Kirill Kaprizov. And it is the latter who will require particular attention.

Recently, Kaprizov, 28, rejected the most lucrative offer in the history of the NHL from the Wild, which suggests the winger would be open to changing teams. This has increased the Rangers' attention toward the Russian.

"If any make it to market or come available via trade, expect Drury to be aggressive. The situation in Minnesota, where star winger Kirill Kaprizov just rejected the most lucrative contract offer in NHL history, bears watching. (It’s worth noting that Panarin and Kaprizov share the same agent, Paul Theofanous)," Baugh and Mercogliano added.

Panarin will continue to be a key piece for the Rangers in the 2025-26 season. Last season, he recorded 37 goals and 52 assists for 89 points in 80 games.