Artemi Panarin with the Rangers (Via Getty Images) Ron Duguay didn’t mince words when addressing the New York Rangers’ decision to inform Artemi Panarin he won’t receive a contract extension. The former Rangers forward believes the organization is making a significant mistake by parting ways with one of its most productive players.Duguay argued that Panarin still has substantial value remaining in his career and shouldn’t be moved simply because management wants to shake things up. The former NHLer emphasized Panarin’s importance to the franchise beyond just statistics.
Ron Duguay believes Artemi Panarin has value beyond just numbers
Duguay pointed to the winger’s skill level, popularity with fans, and leadership qualities as reasons to keep him in New York rather than facilitate a trade to a contender. “Unless Panarin is asking for more money, I would not trade him,” Duguay said.The former Rangers forward continued, “He’s got a good 4 years in him playing at a high level with today’s means to stay strong & healthy.” Duguay believes that starting a complete rebuild won’t be the right move for the Rangers and it might take them nearly four to five years to again build a playoff-worthy team.Their struggles this season have already been well-documented. But in the absence of Panarin, who remains their biggest star, things could be much worse. He already noted how this timeline doesn’t align with what New York fans expect from an Original Six side that has maintained relatively high standards.His concerns extend to the organization’s prospect pool and draft history. Duguay also remains worried about the quality of the draft pool. With most youngsters currently cycling between the minors and the NHL, he believes that it would be better for the Rangers to continue with their current core.Instead, Duguay suggested alternatives that wouldn’t require dismantling the roster. He believes a healthy Rangers team with proper coaching remains competitive and advocated for adding an impact player before the trade deadline without surrendering too much in return.If the Rangers need to make a significant move for salary cap or roster construction reasons, Duguay identified Mika Zibanejad as a more logical trade candidate than Panarin. The center’s large contract makes him a natural target, and Duguay noted Zibanejad has shown signs of bouncing back this season.The former player also criticized what he views as management’s pattern of making trades to cover for organizational shortcomings rather than addressing root causes. His comments reflect frustration with an approach he believes could set the franchise back unnecessarily.Duguay’s opinion is vastly in contrast with that of President and GM Chris Drury, whose letter earlier on Friday made it seem that the franchise is heading towards a complete retooling. With the management and critics having opposite opinions on Panarin and their current core, it feels like New York has much to figure out for now.