The New York Rangers are getting ready for the upcoming season, as they look to make a run back to the playoffs with their new head coach in Mike Sullivan. The Rangers didn't make many big splash moves, besides the signing of defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov. The hope is that the core of players they have can help the team finally make it to the Stanley Cup Final after falling short twice in the last four years.
But all eyes will be on next summer, as there is a likelihood that superstars like Connor McDavid, Jack Eichel, and Kirill Kaprizov could hit the open market. One name that does fall under the radar is Artemi Panarin, the Rangers' big free agency signing back in 2019, as he's slated to hit the open market. while he is still one of the team's top performers, he is 34-years-old. And the Rangers apparently tried to sign Panarin to a deal this offseason.
Sportsnet NHL insider Elliotte Friedman revealed on the latest 32 Thoughts podcast that the Rangers approached Panarin in hopes that he could sign a team-friendly deal like Anze Kopitar did for the Los Angeles Kings. But, Panarin apparently wasn't swayed by the offer.
Artemi Panarin reportedly didn't accept Rangers' short-term, team-friendly contract offer this offseason
"Anze Kopitar, who just announced his retirement, he had signed 10 years ago an eight year deal with an average annual salary of $10 million a year. At the end of that deal, the L.A. Kings went to him and said 'we need you to take a little bit less, it'll really help us win.' And Kopitar did that at [two years, $7 million per year]," said Friedman."And I understand at some point this offseason, the Rangers had that kind of a conceptual discussion with Panarin. 'Is there a way that you could do for the Rangers what Kopitar did for the Kings?'
"And obviously, at this point in time, it hasn't happened. So, I don't know where that's going to go. I don't know if that's going to be a possibility. But I do know that the two sides had the conversation. And obviously, at this point, Panarin's unsigned. So, we'll see where this goes."
This is an interesting update. The Rangers obviously want to retain Panarin, but the winger didn't seem too interested on signing a short-term deal at a lesser annual rate than what he's earning ($11.6 million). But given how productive Panarin has been throughout his Rangers tenure, who's to say a team won't pay big money to bring him in?
On-ice, there's no denying the impact Panarin has. His addition helped bring the Rangers back into Stanley Cup contention, and he has shown up during the playoffs. Last season, Panarin led the Rangers in goals (37), assists (52), and points (89). Through six seasons, Panarin recorded 186 goals, 364 assists, and 550 points in 430 games played.
It will be interesting to see how the Rangers approach contract negotiations with Panarin, whether during the season or before free agency next summer. So far, the Rangers tried the team-friendly approach, but Panarin doesn't seem to be on board for that.