The New York Rangers did not meet expectations last season. After winning the Presidents’ Trophy in 2023-24 with 114 points, the Rangers had 29 fewer points in 2024-25, and missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs. They only had 85 points, had the 10th most points in the Eastern Conference, and were six points back of the Montreal Canadiens and New Jersey Devils for a playoff spot.
With consistently not delivering on a regular basis during the 2024-25 National Hockey League regular season, it is zero surprise that the Rangers are considering change. According to Jim Parsons of The Hockey Writers, two players who could be considered as trade options are left wingers Artemi Panarin of Korkino, Russia and Alexis Lafreniere of St-Eustache, Quebec. Parsons believes Rangers management will not tolerate a second straight poor season, and may make transactions sooner rather than later.
What is the contract status for Panarin and Lafreniere?
Panarin has one more year left on a contract that will see him earn $11.6 million. He is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent for the 2026-27 season unless the Rangers are able to come to terms on a contract extension. It should be noted that Panarin has a no-move clause according to Parsons. However, the no-move clause historically does not mean all that much because under the right situation and circumstances, players waive the clause without any hesitation.
Lafreniere is set to make $7.45 million in each of the next seven seasons. The problem with Lafreniere, he has never really met the expectations that comes with being a first overall pick. He only has 193 points in 380 NHL regular season games in his NHL career.
Panarin’s 2024-25 NHL statistics
This past season, Panarin led the Rangers in goals (37), assists (52), points (89), power-play points (26), power-play goals (eight), and shots on goal (237). He also was a -9 with 16 penalty minutes, 11 blocked shots, 18 hits, 25 takeaways, 97 giveaways, and one hat trick. Panarin’s three goal game came in a 5-2 Rangers win over the Detroit Red Wings on October 17.
Lafreniere’s 2024-25 NHL statistics
In 2024-25, Lafreniere had 17 goals and 28 assists for 45 points. He was a -13 with 38 penalty minutes, four power-play points, four game-winning goals, 153 shots on goal, 13 faceoff wins, 27 blocked shots, 119 hits, 25 takeaways, and 46 giveaways.
When do the Rangers play their first game this season?
New York will host the Pittsburgh Penguins on October 7 at Madison Square Garden.
