Report: Rangers won't get in bidding war for Panarin

Although Artemi Panarin is front and center on their radar, the New York Rangers will not engage in a bidding war for his services, sources told Larry Brooks of the New York Post.

While nothing is set in stone, the Rangers are unlikely to exceed an offer in the seven-year, $11.25-million range if another team goes higher, the sources indicated to Brooks.

Panarin met with New York's management on Thursday, but the dynamic Russian winger is also reportedly being courted with lucrative offers from the Florida Panthers, New York Islanders, and Colorado Avalanche, among others.

He's arguably the top free-agent skater on the market this summer after recording 87 points for the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2018-19.

The Rangers are in the midst of a rebuild but have quickly gathered a deep group of assets that could accelerate the process of becoming competitive again. Among their best pieces are 2019 No. 2 overall pick Kaapo Kakko, while the team also has a projected $17.5 million in available cap space this summer.

After seven consecutive trips to the playoffs, New York missed out for the second season in a row in 2018-19, finishing 20 points outside the cutline with a record of 32-36-14.