The New York Rangers are starting to heat up as the temperature drops to below freezing outside. The Rockefeller Christmas Tree is not the only thing to celebrate right now, as this team is starting to play solid hockey.
One of the main reasons they have been able to survive without their star defenseman, Adam Fox, is the consistent play from arguably their best player. Artemi Panarin has been everything and more for this franchise since signing during the free agency period before the 2019-20 season.
Now, with a contract extension or a situation that involves No. 10 leaving for another team at some point this season or in the offseason, the Rangers are left with a big decision to make. Will Panarin take matters into his own hands with his continued success for the rest of the season, or does President and General Manager Chris Drury already have his mind made up?
Panarin controls his own destiny?
It is a tricky situation with Panarin and the Rangers future plans. After signing goaltender Igor Shesterkin to a deal worth $11.5 million AAV, it is hard to keep another player on the roster who is also north of eight-digits per year. Couple that with the fact that "The Breadman' just turned 34 years old, his prime years may have been exhausted starting next season.
Right now, Panarin controls his own destiny, as whatever he does this season dictates how much the Rangers will pay him next season. Or, instead, whoever wants to sign him in the offseason, or even further beyond that, whoever trades for him during this season. Like I said, this is a very tricky situation.
With 10 goals and 22 assists for 32 points in 31 games played this season, he is still earning every penny of his $11.642 million AAV deal. Night in and night out, Panarin is a force on the ice, and this city loves him in a Blueshirt.
Drury already made up his mind?
This season is going to dictate what happens with Panarin. At one point in time this season, head coach Mike Sullivan, Chris Drury, and the rest of the front office are going to sit down and decide if this is a year to try and go for broke, or to start thinking about the youth and the future.
It is still way too early to tell, as the Rangers are in a very tight race in the Metropolitan Division. At 15-12-4 for 34 points, they are just two points between being in fifth place and second place in the Division. Should this team start to falter and really lose ground, expect Panarin to be dealt to a playoff contender that can use him as a loaner for their push toward the Stanley Cup. But if this team keeps up its momentum, Panarin could be a worthy piece to keep, no matter the price.
One thing to understand is that the Rangers might only have a chance or two left with this group, and Panarin has never been any closer to lifting the Stanley Cup than with this team. He has embraced this City, this culture, and tradition of being a New York Ranger, and that could be a swaying point to give him a hometown discount. If not, this team could make a major step backward by letting him out the door for nothing,