Artemi Panarin was not in the New York Rangers lineup on Wednesday against the New York Islanders for roster management purposes and is not expected to play again before the Olympic break, according to TSN Hockey Insider Chris Johnston.
Panarin is in the final year of a seven-year, $81.5 million deal he signed in 2019 that includes a full no-move clause and carries an $11.64 million cap hit.
Johnston reports that Panarin is seeking a contract extension as part of signing off on any trade.
With the #NYR committed to holding Artemi Panarin out of their lineup until the Feb. 4 Olympic roster freeze, sources say the pending UFA is seeking a contract extension as part of signing off on any trade.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) January 29, 2026
The Rangers lost Wednesday’s game 5-2 to the Islanders as the team remains dead last in the Eastern Conference with 50 points and a 22-26-6 record.
“Obviously, Bread is a terrific player and a great teammate, and he’s good friends with a lot of the guys that are in that dressing room. So that has an impact on guys,” Rangers coach Mike Sullivan said after the defeat of playing without Panarin. “I thought our guys did a great job, just as far as controlling what they can and bringing the right intentions out there.
“But obviously he’s one of the best Rangers of his generation, and he’s not an easy guy to replace. … It forces all of us to look in the mirror and try to figure out how we can all do a better job.”
General manager Chris Drury penned a letter to fans two weeks ago that indicated that the team would be focusing on a “retool” as a new direction for the franchise.
They have already been active in the trade market, sending defenceman Carson Soucy to the Islanders for a third-round pick.
Panarin was listed at No. 1 on TSN’s most recent Trade Bait board.
He has appeared in 52 games this season and has 19 goals and 38 assists. The 34-year-old scored a career-high 49 goals and 120 points for the Rangers in 2023-24.
The Korkino, Russia native is in his seventh season with the Rangers and has also played for the Columbus Blue Jackets and Chicago Blackhawks in his 804 game NHL career.
Panarin captured the Calder Trophy for Rookie of the Year in 2016 as a member of the Blackhawks.
