The New York Rangers are thinking about their future, so much so that president/GM Chris Drury released a long letter to the fans on Friday expressing displeasure with this season and hope for the future.
Then came the bombshell from Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman: Artemi Panarin might not be part of that future.
Friedman reports, "Artemi Panarin was informed that he will not be offered a contract extension, and that Drury was prepared to work with him and agent Paul Theofanous to trade the winger anywhere he wishes to go.
There was more detail on what's next for Panarin, too.
"Panarin has a full no-move clause and could, in theory, play out the season," Friedman writes.
"But the decision brings clarity, giving him seven weeks before the trade deadline to consider where he could try to win the Stanley Cup this season, or extend long-term."
Panarin has played the past seven seasons for the Rangers after his NHL career began with two years in Chicago and two in Columbus.
With the Rangers, Panarin has 202 goals and 399 assists (601 points) in 477 games.
This season, Panarin has 16 goals and 35 assists for 51 points in 47 games.
He's 34 years old, and he makes sense as an acquisition for a contender that needs some more firepower on the wing.
The Rangers will try to get the value they can out of him as they look toward the future.
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