Artemi Panarin’s Slump Sparks Questions About His Rangers Future
Artemi Panarin, one of the New York Rangers’ brightest stars, is going through a rough patch — maybe the toughest of his career. The winger, who’s known for his elite puck-handling and playmaking, is struggling to find his rhythm this season. After going six straight games without recording a single point, Panarin decided to make a symbolic change: he shaved his head again. It might sound like a small thing, but for Panarin, it’s a bit of a superstition. The last time he did it, back in 2023, he went on to post a career-best 120 points and led the Rangers to the Presidents’ Trophy. So, maybe he’s hoping lightning strikes twice.
At 34 years old, Panarin finds himself battling not just a slump but also uncertainty about his future. He’s in the final year of his seven-year, $81.5 million contract — the same deal that made him one of the biggest free-agent signings in Rangers history. With his production dipping — just seven points in 14 games so far — questions are swirling about whether the team will extend his contract or possibly even consider moving him before the trade deadline.
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Panarin himself admits that the contract situation has been in the back of his mind, though he insists it’s not something that affects him during games. He said he missed training camp due to injuries and hasn’t felt 100% conditioned since returning. That frustration, he explained, snowballed into a mental block that’s been hard to shake. Still, he remains optimistic, saying he feels close to breaking through and is trying to treat every game like a fresh start.
Rangers coach Mike Sullivan has been patient but firm. He’s moved Panarin around the lineup, recently pairing him with Mika Zibanejad and Taylor Raddysh, hoping to spark some chemistry. Sullivan maintains that the team’s north-south style isn’t restricting Panarin’s creativity, emphasizing that the winger still has the freedom to make plays. “We rely on him to drive our offense,” Sullivan said. “Even if the points aren’t coming, he’s working hard, and his game is showing signs of improvement.”
From a numbers standpoint, Panarin’s underlying metrics still look decent — he’s generating quality chances, just not finishing them. But with the Rangers ranking near the bottom of the league in even-strength scoring and power-play efficiency, the pressure on him is only intensifying.
Through it all, Panarin remains composed and reflective. “It’s not an easy time,” he admitted, “but I can’t be frustrated. You just keep working, stay positive, and eventually it will come.” Whether that turnaround comes in time to shape his future with the Rangers remains one of the biggest storylines of their season.
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