For the first time during the 2025–26 season, the New York Rangers took the ice without Artemi Panarin, as the star winger was sidelined by illness Thursday against the St. Louis Blues. The offensive drop-off was immediate and expected.
New York managed to grind out a 2–1 overtime victory, leaning once again on captain J.T. Miller, who delivered the decisive goal in extra time.
Given their recent struggles — five losses in their previous six games (1-3-2) — the Rangers gladly accepted the result. Still, the narrow win underscored a harsh reality: without their most dangerous offensive weapon and top scorer, generating offense becomes a major challenge.
Panarin, however, returned to the lineup for Saturday’s afternoon matchup against the Philadelphia Flyers at Madison Square Garden. His absence has been rare. Since the start of the 2022–23 season, he has missed just three games, maintaining his reputation for durability and consistency.
After signing a seven-year, $81.5 million contract with New York ahead of the 2019–20 campaign, Panarin has been among the league’s most productive players. His 584 points over that span rank fifth in the NHL, trailing only Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Nathan MacKinnon, and David Pastrnak. He has recorded at least a point per game in each of his first six seasons with the Rangers while leading the team in scoring every year.
Even as New York’s offense has fallen to third-worst in the league this season at 2.50 goals per game, Panarin has remained a steady source of production. His 11 goals and 34 points in 35 games continue to set the pace for the Blueshirts.
While his quieter postseason performances have frustrated portions of the fan base, Panarin’s regular-season impact is undeniable. Still, questions linger about his long-term future in New York.
The veteran forward, who turned 34 in October, is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent at season’s end. Reports indicate he declined a more team-friendly extension from the Rangers, one modeled after the deal Los Angeles Kings captain Anze Kopitar accepted.
Kopitar chose to spend the remainder of his career with the Kings, signing a two-year contract on July 6, 2023, worth $7 million per season — a $3 million reduction in AAV from his previous eight-year contract.
Rangers offense without Panarin leaves much to be desired
New York celebrated a much-needed victory over the Blues, but it was far from an inspired offensive showing, particularly at even strength.
It’s worth noting that the Rangers failed to score a 5-on-5 goal Thursday. For reference, St. Louis has the NHL’s third-worst goals-against-average and has allowed the most 5-on-5 goals (86).
Their only goals came on the penalty play, when Will Cuylle’s second-period shot bounced into the net off rookie forward Gabe Perreault’s skate, and during the 3-on-3 overtime session, on Miller’s one-timer.
They outshot the Blues 31-27, but Panarin’s puck abilities were severely missed, especially when St. Louis tilted the ice in the third period. Without a dominant playmaker, New York’s offensive possessions were typically lackluster.
Panarin remains the lone Ranger with more than five goals at five on five this season. Take him out of the lineup and the offensive picture looks grim, which is especially concerning given the uncertainty surrounding his future in New York.
The Rangers are already carrying three 32 year old forwards in Mika Zibanejad, Vincent Trocheck and J.T. Miller whose production has begun to slide, all while being signed through at least the 2028 29 season. It is reasonable to wonder whether general manager Chris Drury wants to add another aging forward to that mix, particularly if Panarin is seeking a hefty average annual value.
Letting a four time 90 point scorer walk once felt more manageable when an impressive group of forwards was expected to hit the open market. Names like Connor McDavid, Jack Eichel, Martin Necas, Kyle Connor and Adrian Kempe were all potential free agents, but each ultimately re signed with his current team. As a result, the 2026 free agent class is short on elite talent.
Panarin is now one of only two players on expiring deals who produced at least 70 points last season. The other is Alex Ovechkin, who turned 40 in September and has not committed to playing beyond 2025 26. Should Panarin choose to leave, the Rangers would face an uphill battle trying to replace that level of offense through free agency.
Internal options exist, but they come with significant risk. Alexis Lafreniere has not yet taken another step forward after his breakout 2023 24 campaign. Will Cuylle and Noah Laba are important pieces for the future and should continue to grow offensively, but neither profiles as a high end point producer. Panarin’s exit could also create a coveted top six opening for 2023 first round pick Gabe Perreault, yet under head coach Mike Sullivan, such opportunities must be earned.
The Rangers recalled Perreault and 2021 first rounder Brennan Othmann ahead of the game against St. Louis, but even with Panarin out, neither cracked the top six. Veteran Conor Sheary, who has just one goal in his age 33 season, stayed in a top six role alongside Miller and Trocheck, while Cuylle slid up to fill Panarin’s spot.
Perreault played on the third line with Laba and Taylor Raddysh, logging 13 minutes and 9 seconds of ice time and scoring his first NHL goal. Othmann was limited to fourth line duty and skated just 7 minutes and 14 seconds, the lowest total among Rangers skaters.
Sullivan has been clear about his expectations for young players, emphasizing quick reads and strong defensive play. Those standards will not loosen, regardless of whether Panarin eventually departs.
Why Rangers must address offensive woes
There is a legitimate argument for moving on from Panarin despite everything he has accomplished in a Rangers uniform.
Even with another productive season from their star winger, New York’s offense has struggled. That reality makes the idea of trading Panarin ahead of the March 6 NHL trade deadline increasingly compelling. In a tightly bunched Eastern Conference, it would be difficult for the Rangers to completely fall out of contention, but Drury may still consider bold action if an extension appears unlikely.
Panarin’s full no movement clause complicates matters, yet a trade could still bring back a substantial return if he is open to another destination. While it is hard to imagine the Rangers fully conceding the season, there is undeniable value in exploring that option.
Such a move would not signal a complete rebuild. The Rangers have already committed long term to core pieces like Fox and Shesterkin, then doubled down by hiring Sullivan on a five year deal that made him the highest paid coach in the league and signing Vladislav Gavrikov to a seven year, $49 million contract in free agency.
Those decisions reflect a team that still views itself as a contender. Even if the Rangers miss the playoffs for a second straight year, it would be unrealistic to expect Drury to abandon that approach so quickly.
Sullivan’s defensive structure has been strong enough to keep the team competitive. But if Thursday’s game was any indication, trusting the offense without Panarin is difficult unless meaningful reinforcements are added. The Rangers may eventually move on from their star winger, but if they fail to seriously address their scoring issues, they risk remaining stuck in the same uncomfortable middle ground.