A significant roster shake-up is approaching for the New York Rangers, as the team prepares to move a high-profile player and actively explore the trade market. Reports suggest that team president and general manager Chris Drury is in an effort to bring his struggling club back into form. But, NHL sources suggest that owner James Dolan might decide to part with marquee player Artemi Panarin and others if results do not improve soon. Meanwhile, with the loss of Igor Shesterkin and Adam Fox, the club is in full damage control mode. Despite club owner James Dolan preaching patience, the reality is that time is running out.According to sources, Drury is unlikely to wait until the March 6 deadline, as the roster freezing week during the Olympic Games could be a possible window for the team’s management to take action. Teams can talk at that point, but nothing can officially happen until the freeze is lifted on February 22.
Are the New York Rangers planning to trade their marquee player Artemi Panarin and other forwards?
With the NHL approaching its Olympic Break, Artemi Panarin‘s future with the Rangers is hanging in the air, as the star winger is in the final year of his current contract and has not yet reached an agreement on a long-term extension, leaving his status with the Rangers uncertain. According to reports, Panarin is in the final year of his seven-year, $81.5 million contract, with an average annual value of $11.64 million. He’ll be a UFA in July 2026, and at his age, this could be his last major payday.Again, as per Elliotte Friedman on The FAN Hockey Show, the Rangers approached Panarin with a proposal similar to Anze Kopitar’s recent deal with the Los Angeles Kings, but he did not accept it. Friedman also revealed that it was a shorter term and at a reduced cap hit, as Kopitar was given a two-year deal at $7 million per season.
Besides, a close source told veteran NHL reporter James Murphy that GM Chris Drury is not likely to wait before heading into a massive shakeup. The source stated, “Drury won’t wait much longer. He was poking around on the trade market, and he’s let it be known, he’s not afraid to move a big name off his roster, too. If he makes an impact move, it’s going to be a roster player for a roster player, and it will be a shakeup move to send a message to that dressing room.”The source further claimed that, “He already made that big trade for J.T. Miller last year, and he didn’t wait for the trade deadline. He knows this year, he may have to pull the trigger even earlier if they don’t get going here.”Meanwhile, speculations are doing the rounds that Panarin is just one player whose name is majorly discussed. Apart from Panarin, Rangers forwards like Vincent Trocheck and Mika Zibanejad could also be traded; however, nothing has been confirmed so far.Also read: NHL Update: Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews returns to lineup ahead of game against Winnipeg Jets | NHL News – The Times of India
