NHL insider issues eye-opening remark on Artemi Panarin, believes contract uncertainty is 'affecting' his game

The New York Rangers were soaring high in the 2023-24 season, and the prime reason behind it was forward Artemi Panarin. That season, he scored his career high with 49 goals and 71 assists for 120 points. Over the last four seasons, Panarin has averaged over 99 points per season, and that in itself is impressive.

But this season has been underwhelming for the Rangers' forward. He has scored only two goals and five assists in 14 games. And if we look at the projections, with this pace, Panarin is going to score just 12 goals and 41 points in 82 games. For comparison, in his debut NHL season, he scored 30 goals and 77 points with the Chicago Blackhawks.

Now, what is the reason behind this sudden drop? Speaking on Daily Faceoff’s Morning Cuppa Hockey, NHL analyst Elliotte Friedman said contract uncertainty might be affecting Panarin’s play.

"The [Artemi] Panarin thing to me is, is really interesting because, like, we talked about, [Steven] Stamkos earlier," Friedman said. [55:14 onwards] "Stamkos to me looks like, even though it's not working for him, at times, he is trying to go all out, like he's trying.

"I'm not saying that Artemi Panarin is not trying, because I've been told before, if you're going to go down that road, you better be, you better be able to say that 100%," but it's hard not to look at him and say he's affected by the fact that he isn't signed next year."

Friedman said Panarin does not have his usual impact in games. He believes players can lose focus when unsure about their future.

"I just watch him, and he's not," Friedman said. "He does not have the impact on games that he normally does. And I kind of wonder, because I don't think that's unusual. I think that, yeah, if you're unsure about your future, it can affect you."

Panarin’s seven-year, $81.5 million contract ends in 2026.

Rangers offered a short-term contract to Artemi Panarin

Artemi Panarin has been eligible to sign a new deal for over four months now. He is 34 now, and the Rangers have offered him a short deal.

"I think Panera wants to be in New York, and we'll see if this works out," Friedman said on the 32 Thoughts podcast. "As we have indicated, the Rangers have talked to him about a shorter-term, lesser-money deal, which so far hasn't worked,"

The Rangers need Artemi Panarin to regain his offensive rhythm soon. They have already had a slow start with a 6-6-2 record, and his performance is important for their playoff hopes.