REPORT: Artemi Panarin's Days In New York May Be Numbered

Artemi Panarin since being in New York has been incredible. Every season he has been in New York other than the COVID-19 shortened season Panarin has reach 90 points. He is one of only 3 players to reach the 90-point plateau in 3 of the last 4 seasons.

With this in mind, Panarin's value is likely as high as it is going to get. He will be turning 32 in October and still has 2 more seasons beyond the upcoming one at 11.6 million AAV. This has created an interesting discussion about what the Rangers should do with their star winger heading into the upcoming season.

With Panarin's age and likely decline on the way, it creates a discussion about whether the Rangers should move on. He is one of the most creative players in the league who creates on every shift he is on the ice. On the flip side due to trying a lot of things with his creativity, Panarin can be turnover-prone. This was especially evident in the Rangers' most recent playoff run.

Trading Panarin would open a significant amount of cap space for the Rangers to re-work their roster to continue competing. It would also allow young players like Alexis Lafreniere and Kaapo Kakko more ice time to continue developing.

While this scenario is unlikely it creates an interesting conversation of when to get rid of high-performing players. Holding on to a player too long and letting their value tank is not good. On the flipside selling off a player too early and seeing them succeed is arguably worse. It will be interesting to see which choice the New York Rangers make.