Report: Panarin scratched for roster reasons, wants extension with trade
The New York Rangers held star forward Artemi Panarin out of the lineup Wednesday against the New York Islanders due to roster-related reasons, reports Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.
Panarin isn't expected to play again before the Olympic break, adds Friedman. The Rangers have two more games after Wednesday before the Olympics.
The 34-year-old wants a contract extension as part of signing off on any trade, reports TSN's Chris Johnston. He owns a full no-movement clause.
The pending unrestricted free agent, now in his seventh season with the Rangers, leads New York in scoring with 57 points in 52 games. He carries a cap hit of just over $11.6 million.
Panarin has 321 goals and 927 points in 804 career games with the Chicago Blackhawks, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Rangers. He notched a career-high 49 goals and 120 points in 2023-24.
Rangers general manager Chris Drury issued a letter to fans earlier in January announcing the team's plans to retool. Reports emerged later that same day saying New York wouldn't be offering Panarin a contract extension.
"It's hard to say how I feel," Panarin said Jan. 17. "I'm still confused, but the GM decided to go in a different direction. I'm OK with that. I'm a Ranger player right now, so I'll play every game 100%."
Panarin is the top name on theScore's trade deadline big board.