Artemi Panarin could headline TSN’s Free Agent Frenzy board this summer, but that’s only if he decides his future is in North America.
The New York Rangers pending unrestricted free agent fuelled speculation he could sign in Russia when asked about the possibility by the New York Post on Friday.
“I mean, you never know,” Panarin told The Post after a 6-2 win over the Boston Bruins. “Hard to say right now. It’s a very hard question to be honest. I can’t comment on the side of life, you never know what’s happening.”
Panarin has eight goals and 26 points in 27 games this season as he plays out the last of a seven-year, $81.5 million contract, which carries an annual average value of $11.64 million.
The 34-year-old winger is tied with now-sidelined defenceman Adam Fox for scoring lead on the 13-12-2 Rangers. Mollie Walker of the New York Post writes “it would be negligent” for general manager Chris Drury not to explore the trade market for Panarin should New York remain out of a playoff spot as the March 6 trade deadline draws closer.
Panarin had 37 goals and 89 points in 80 games last season as the Rangers missed the playoffs for the first time since 2020-21.
Undrafted to begin his NHL career, Panarin made the jump to the NHL from the KHL in 2015-16 with the Chicago Blackhawks. He’s posted 310 goals and 896 points in 779 career games with Chicago, the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Rangers.