Panarin Excluded from Rangers Lineup for Roster Management

Artemi Panarin will not participate in the New York Rangers’ upcoming game against the New York Islanders at UBS Arena. This decision is due to roster management considerations. The Rangers are also preparing for a roster freeze ahead of the Olympic Winter Games, which begins on February 4, 2026.

Upcoming Games and Roster Changes

The Rangers have three games left before the Olympic break. Their final match before the break will be against the Carolina Hurricanes on February 5. Panarin is expected to sit out these games, and he remains in the last year of a lucrative seven-year deal worth $81.5 million, which includes a no-movement clause.

Future Team Dynamics

General Manager Chris Drury has informed Panarin that the team will not extend a new contract to him. Instead, the Rangers plan to assist him in finding a new team before the NHL trade deadline, which is set for March 6, 2026. This strategic move indicates that the Rangers might be protecting him from injury, given the possibility of a trade.

• Panarin has 57 points (19 goals and 38 assists) in 52 games this season.
• He has consistently led the Rangers in scoring since his arrival in the 2019-20 season.
• In franchise history, he ranks 14th in goals, 8th in assists, 9th in points, and 1st in points per game.

With the Rangers currently at 22 wins, 25 losses, and 6 overtime losses, they are at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, signaling the need for a roster overhaul. The team’s recent form shows a record of 3 wins, 9 losses, and 2 overtime losses over their last 14 games, collecting a total of 50 points.

Recent Remarks and Team Strategy

Pursuing a new direction, Drury emphasized the need for honest assessments regarding the team’s situation. He stated, “We are not going to stand pat. A shift will give us the ability to be smart and opportunistic as we retool the team. This will not be a rebuild but a retool centered around core players and prospects.”

In a recent transaction, the Rangers traded defenseman Carson Soucy to the Islanders. Soucy is currently in the last year of a three-year contract worth $9.75 million, set to become an unrestricted free agent after the current season. He is expected to face the Rangers in their next game.

With Panarin’s absence, the Rangers face a crucial moment in their season, necessitating strategic decisions to ensure a stronger future. The upcoming weeks will be vital as they implement their retooling strategy.