Artemi Panarin #10 of the New York Rangers (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Alexei Kovalev says Artemi Panarin may be closer to leaving the NHL than many expected.
Kovalev, a former 1,000-game NHL forward, Stanley Cup champion with the New York Rangers in 1994, and one of the most skilled Russian players of his generation, spoke with RG about Panarin’s contract standoff. Kovalev played 19 NHL seasons with the Rangers, Canadiens, Penguins and Senators, finishing with 1,029 points in 1,316 games.
In a recent interview, Kovalev was blunt when asked about Panarin’s situation. The Rangers forward declined an early extension offer structured along the same lines as Anze Kopitar’s recent deal with Los Angeles – short-term and at a lower cap hit. Elliotte Friedman reported on The FAN Hockey Show that Panarin’s camp, led by agent Paul Theofanous, rejected the offer immediately. David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period added that if the Rangers slide toward “bubble team” territory and Panarin remains unwilling to stay, the club could explore a trade.
Kovalev said he understands the feeling of wanting respect from their team, but warned that things can spiral pretty quickly.
“I once made my own mistake when I left for Ottawa… But for me, it was a matter of principle when I left Montreal. I wanted to feel respected,” he said. “Still, you shouldn’t push too hard for that. Money is not always the main thing – far from it. What matters most is the place, the comfort, the people. Sometimes, you can give up some money and still enjoy the team and the environment.”
But then, the former star took it one step further, suggesting that Panarin might be thinking beyond the Rangers – and beyond the NHL as a whole.
“There are even talks that he wants to leave the NHL altogether and go back to Russia,” he said.
“I don’t know if it’s true, but that’s what people here are saying.”
It’s also worth noting that Panarin and Kovalev are, in a way, neighbors – both own homes in New York that are located not far from each other.
Panarin, 33, is in the final year of a seven-year, $81.5-million contract. He will become an unrestricted free agent (UFA) on July 1, 2026; and, at 34 years old, it may be his last shot at cashing in on an illustrious career.
His slow start to his 2025–26 season has not helped his position, but Kovalev doesn’t put the blame solely on Panarin; looking at his former club with some level of scrutiny as well.
“I’m surprised they still haven’t added one or two good defensemen, because all their problems come from the back end,” he said. “They have a good goalie, a great offense, but without a solid defense you won’t get far. You can’t have such a big hole on the blue line. They started very slowly, too many losses – let’s see how it goes.”
For now, the tension continues to build. The Rangers need clarity, while Panarin wants control.
And as Kovalev notes, the possibility that he walks away from both the team and the league is no longer just locker room chatter, it could very well happen.
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