Panarins top destination is Broadway
Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images

Frank Curto

Columbus Blue Jackets star Artemi Panarin, an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, has reportedly indicated he would like to go to the New York Rangers. 

The New York Rangers may be in a rebuild mode, but they have to be looking at the ongoing events of the Columbus Blue Jackets and star forward Artemi Panarin.

The 26-year-old will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season and negotiations between Columbus and his camp have been at a standstill, first reported by Aaron Portzline of The Athletic.

“Panarin won’t even come to the table at this time to sign a long-term extension in Columbus, that the Blue Jackets should consider trading him to avoid losing him for nothing, and that, oh-by-the-way, they’d better do it before Sept. 13, so that training camp isn’t messy and distracting for him.” Portzline has reported.

The New York Rangers should look into getting Panarin in their lineup as the team has not bolstered their offense in any way during the offseason.

Panarian recorded 27 goals with 82 points in 81 games last season for Columbus. His 82 points would have led the Rangers last season, as the team’s point leader last season was Mats Zuccarello with 53. Panarin would have been tied for first in goals scored with Mika Zibanejad, who both lit the lamp 27 times last season.

Acquiring Panarin via trade is still a tricky task to pull off for a few reasons.

  • The Rangers would have to sign him to a long-term contract to avoid the UFA contract status.
  • Who would the team be willing to give up?

A first-round pick next year along with some current roster players would have to go the other way for the deal to be made.

This shouldn’t be too hard of a deal to make for the Rangers, talent-wise. If the team is still in the rebuilding frame of mind, this is a no-brainer of a deal to make.  Almost every player should be available to be discussed for the deal to be completed.

A huge advantage for New York is Panarin’s willingness to come to Broadway. Portzline‘s NHL sources have revealed that New York is the kid’s first choice.

“The Rangers are Panarin’s first choice.”

The report of this particular piece of information could lead to other teams not willing to trade with Columbus knowing his choice is to play with the Rangers over other teams.

Panarin would look great in an original six jersey, his scoring ability is absolutely needed on this Ranger team, but Jeff Gorton has been smart up to this point. Patience over the spontaneous decision making is the right way to go.

For a change, the Blueshirts have the advantage of waiting things out instead of being the team that is in desperate need to make a move.

A graduate of St. John's University class of '91. I have been a fan of the New York Rangers since the days of Peter Puck. Founder of Ranger Proud, the Facebook page that covers all news, notes, pre /post-game stats, and player quotes. I can be reached at [email protected]