In today’s episode of 32 Thoughts , Elliotte Friedman discussed Artemi Panarin and his status with the Rangers. Somewhat quietly, amidst so much talk surrounding Connor McDavid , the 33-year-old Russian enters the final year of his seven-year, $77MM deal signed with the Blueshirts back in 2019. It is thought that the Rangers are looking for a discount for their star to stay in the Big Apple.

Once the highest-paid winger in the league, now surpassed by Mikko Rantanen and Mitch Marner , Friedman noted that earlier in the summer, the Rangers had early discussions with Panarin on potentially taking a more team-friendly deal, similar to Anze Kopitar , who inked a two-year contract with an AAV of $7MM in 2023.

Vince Mercogliano of The Athletic echoed Friedman’s thoughts

See Full Page