Artemi Panarin is still an elite hockey player
Panarin had an elite 2023-24 season, setting career highs in goals (49) and points (120). He was one of the main reasons New York won the Presidents' Trophy, and going into the 2024-25 campaign, he was expected to carry the workload again.
While the statistical production was not the same, Panarin was still New York's best player. He led the team with 37 goals, 52 assists and 89 points and when he was on the ice, he was always a threat. That's why he was voted as the Rangers' MVP, per the media.
Your 2024-25 #NYR MVP as voted on by members of the Rangers media: Artemi Panarin.
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) April 16, 2025
Congratulations, Bread. 👏 pic.twitter.com/XYX5VAxyUT
Panarin is entering the final year of his contract, meaning he will be an unrestricted free agent in the 2026 offseason. There will be rumors about New York shipping him off, but the expectation is that he will be on the Rangers' roster as they look to jump back into contention.
In a contract year, Panarin will look to prove that he's still one of the best offensive players in the NHL. By doing that, New York will be a much better team.