Artemi Panarin has likely played his final game with the New York Rangers.
Wednesday, multiple NHL insiders reported that Panarin won’t play in tonight’s game against the New York Islanders due to “roster management reasons.” The 34-year-old left wing will also sit out of the team’s remaining matchups before the Olympic break as Rangers GM Chris Drury protects his biggest trade asset.
The Rangers play four games total before the Olympic break. After tonight and tomorrow’s home-and-home against the New York Islanders, the Rangers play the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday and the Carolina Hurricanes next Thursday. An NHL trade freeze will begin on Wednesday, February 4, at 3 pm and last through February 22 for the Olympic break.
The Washington Capitals are reportedly one of the two front-runners to land Panarin. The Rangers winger, who has a full no-trade clause, is said to be looking to sign an extension with any new team he lands with, potentially taking him to the age of 40. The Rangers are reportedly looking for a Brock Nelson-esque return for their star player.
Panarin has 57 points in 52 games this season, recording 19 goals and 38 assists.
In his final appearance with the Rangers on January 26, Panarin had a primary assist on Will Borgen’s game-tying goal with 6:17 remaining. The Rangers would go on to beat the Boston Bruins in overtime, 4-3.
The NHL trade deadline is on Thursday, March 6, at 3 pm.
