The New York Rangers find themselves at a crossroads, and no player is under more scrutiny heading into the upcoming NHL season than Artemi Panarin. The 32-year-old Russian winger, widely regarded as one of the most skilled forwards in the league, has built a reputation as a regular-season force but has seen his legacy questioned due to underwhelming playoff performances. While Panarin’s talent is undeniable, his future with the Rangers has come under speculation as both management and fans demand results when it matters most—during the Stanley Cup Playoffs. With each passing season, the clock ticks louder, and NHL insiders are beginning to wonder if Panarin’s time in New York could be coming to an end if he fails to lead the team to postseason success.
Panarin’s tenure with the Rangers has been marked by offensive brilliance. Since signing a blockbuster seven-year, $81.5 million contract with New York in 2019, he has consistently ranked among the top scorers in the league, finishing near or at the top of the Rangers’ point totals every year. His vision, skating, and playmaking ability have made him a fan favorite and a vital part of the team’s identity. However, for all his regular-season heroics, Panarin’s production has too often faltered in the playoffs. This trend has led to growing frustration among a fan base that is desperate for its first Stanley Cup since 1994. In a city as intense and demanding as New York, where sports stars are scrutinized more closely than anywhere else, Panarin’s postseason struggles have become a narrative that is hard to ignore.
Last season was perhaps the most telling example of the dual nature of Panarin’s game. He posted a career-best 92 points in the regular season, displaying his usual dynamic offensive skill set. But once the playoffs arrived, Panarin seemed a shadow of himself, struggling to make a significant impact when the Rangers needed him most. The team’s early postseason exit only magnified these issues, with critics pointing fingers at the team’s highest-paid players, Panarin chief among them. For a player earning over $11 million annually, the expectation is not just to perform but to dominate, especially under the bright lights of playoff hockey.
The Rangers’ front office, led by general manager Chris Drury, now faces difficult decisions regarding the team’s core. Panarin is still under contract for several more seasons, but the reality of the NHL’s salary cap era is that every dollar matters. If the Rangers feel that Panarin cannot deliver when it counts, the idea of moving on from him—whether through a trade or another means—could become a serious consideration. NHL insiders have suggested that while Panarin has not publicly requested any change, the organization is evaluating how best to build a championship-caliber team around its younger stars such as Adam Fox, Igor Shesterkin, and Alexis Lafrenière. If Panarin does not prove his worth in the playoffs, his future with the club could be in jeopardy despite his regular-season brilliance.
Another factor working against Panarin is the ever-growing pressure from fans and media in New York. The Rangers have made significant investments to become a contender, bringing in top-tier players and bolstering their roster through trades and free-agent signings. Expectations have never been higher, and patience is wearing thin. In a market where every shift and every game is dissected, Panarin’s inability to carry his regular-season dominance into the playoffs has made him a lightning rod for criticism. It is not uncommon for elite players to face this type of pressure, but the combination of Panarin’s contract, age, and track record in critical moments has intensified the debate surrounding his future.
It’s worth noting that Panarin’s style of play may not always translate well to the grind of playoff hockey. The postseason is notorious for its tight checking, physicality, and emphasis on defensive structure. Panarin, while supremely talented, thrives in open ice and creative situations. When that space disappears in the playoffs, his production has often dipped. This has led some analysts to question whether the Rangers rely too heavily on Panarin’s offensive creativity, rather than building a team that can thrive under the rugged conditions of playoff hockey. Balancing star power with grit and depth is key to postseason success, and the Rangers may need to re-evaluate how Panarin fits into that equation.
Still, it would be unfair to place all of the Rangers’ playoff shortcomings solely on Panarin’s shoulders. Hockey is, after all, a team sport, and the Rangers’ struggles in recent years have been the result of multiple factors. Secondary scoring has at times been inconsistent, defensive lapses have cost them critical games, and special teams have faltered under pressure. Panarin is just one piece of a larger puzzle, but because he is the highest-paid player on the roster, he naturally attracts the bulk of the blame. That said, great players are remembered for how they perform when the stakes are highest, and Panarin must rise to the challenge if he wants to solidify his legacy in New York.
The upcoming season could represent a turning point for both Panarin and the Rangers. With a full offseason to prepare, the organization has made moves to address some of its weaknesses, aiming to provide the kind of support that could allow Panarin to thrive in the postseason. The coaching staff will undoubtedly look for ways to get the most out of their star winger when games tighten up. For Panarin, this season could be about more than just putting up impressive numbers—it could be about redefining himself as a player capable of leading his team through the unforgiving gauntlet of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
From a personal standpoint, Panarin has shown no signs of dissatisfaction with life in New York. He remains committed to the team and has expressed his desire to win a Stanley Cup with the Rangers. His chemistry with linemates and his leadership in the locker room are still valued by the organization. Yet in professional sports, loyalty often takes a back seat to results. If Panarin cannot deliver when it matters most, no amount of goodwill or regular-season dominance will shield him from tough questions about his future.
The Rangers are entering a crucial window of opportunity. With young stars like Lafrenière, K’Andre Miller, and Kaapo Kakko developing into more prominent roles, and veterans like Mika Zibanejad and Chris Kreider still performing at a high level, the team has the potential to contend for a championship. But to do so, they need their best players to be at their best when the games mean the most. Panarin’s ability to elevate his game in the playoffs could be the deciding factor in whether the Rangers achieve their long-awaited goal or continue to fall short.
As the season approaches, speculation will only intensify. Every goal, every assist, and every missed opportunity will be magnified under the spotlight. The narrative surrounding Panarin is no longer just about his skill or his point totals—it’s about his ability to deliver in the moments that define careers. Should the Rangers struggle again in the postseason, and should Panarin’s performance be underwhelming, the organization may have no choice but to consider alternatives, even if moving such a high-profile player would be a complex and difficult decision.
For Panarin, this is more than just another season. It is a chance to silence his critics, prove his worth as a true playoff performer, and secure his place as one of the franchise’s modern legends. Failure to do so could lead to a future where his tenure with the Rangers is remembered not for his dazzling regular-season highlights, but for the frustrating sense of what might have been. In a city that demands championships, there is little room for excuses. The time for Panarin to deliver is now, and everyone—from the front office to the fans in the stands—will be watching closely.
