Artemi Panarin Held Out of Rangers Lineup as New York Eyes Roster Moves Ahead of Trade Deadline
In a significant development with major implications for the New York Rangers and the NHL trade landscape, star winger Artemi Panarin was not in the lineup for Wednesday’s 5-2 loss to the New York Islanders due to “roster management” reasons, marking a major shift in the Rangers’ season strategy.
Panarin, one of the most dynamic offensive players in the league has been a central figure for the Rangers since joining the franchise in 2019. He leads the team this season with 57 points (19 goals, 38 assists) in 52 games and has been New York’s top scorer every year since signing his current contract.
Why Panarin Is Out of the Lineup
Rangers general manager Chris Drury told Panarin earlier this month that the team does not plan to offer him a contract extension beyond the current season and intends to explore trade options before the NHL Trade Deadline on March 6, 2026. Consequently, the club has held Panarin out of recent games and he is not expected to play again before the Olympic break, which begins in early February.
According to multiple reports, this absence is part of a strategy to protect Panarin from injury and preserve his trade value, as well as to help the Rangers navigate a challenging stretch of games without risking further setbacks for the star forward.
Panarin acknowledged the situation earlier in January, saying the decision was confusing but that he was “OK with that” after being informed the team is heading in a different direction.
A Shift in Rangers Strategy
This move is part of a broader transition for the Rangers, who recently announced plans to retool their roster after struggling through an inconsistent season. The team currently sits near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, and with several key players available or potentially available, management appears increasingly open to making bold changes.
In addition to Panarin’s absence, defenseman Carson Soucy was traded to the Islanders earlier in the week, signaling New York’s willingness to move established players in pursuit of future assets.
Trade Speculation and What’s Next
With Panarin sidelined and the March deadline approaching, trade speculation is intensifying. At least one report suggests that a possible trade offer may already be circulating, though details and potential destinations remain unclear.
Panarin’s full no-movement clause gives him control over any trade destination, and contract negotiations could influence his final landing spot as well.
For the Rangers, the focus now shifts to navigating the rest of the regular season, maximizing return on assets like Panarin, and laying groundwork for a deeper roster overhaul this summer.
Source: NHL.com
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