Trade speculation surrounding Artemi Panarin is intensifying as the 2025-26 season continues to unfold. According to NHL insider Frank Seravalli, one major factor will ultimately determine whether the New York Rangers move their star winger.The factor is the team’s position in the standings. Speaking on B/R Open Ice on Tuesday, Seravalli emphasized that the Rangers’ trajectory over the coming months will guide how general manager Chris Drury approaches Panarin’s future."I think a lot will depend on the Ranger standings and where they're at," Seravalli said.Seravalli added that despite inconsistent stretches this season, he believes New York remains capable of making a run and securing a playoff spot out of the Metropolitan Division. However, if the team falls out of contention, he noted:"If they are in a position where they are not making it, or they're well outside of the picture, they're very likely to be moving Artemi Panarin."Panarin, now 34 and in the final year of his contract, is still producing at an elite level. With 28 points in 28 games, including 8 goals and 20 assists, he continues to power the Rangers’ offense. His performance remains strong, highlighted by a recent four-point game against the Boston Bruins.Across 11 NHL seasons, Panarin has consistently been a top-tier offensive driver. And his current form shows no signs of decline, despite a sharp fall from his 120-point season in 2023-24."I think they've been thrilled with his impact. I think they've really enjoyed having him," Seravalli said.But the key sticking point is contract length. Seravalli noted Panarin wants a long-term deal with a high salary, while the Rangers appear more comfortable with a shorter commitment."But the fact of the matter is, Artemi Panarin wants a deal with a term," Seravalli said. "He wants to be highly paid. And it's not that the Rangers are against paying him, but there are going to be limitations for Chris Drury."I believe, in the term that they're willing to offer Artemi Panarin, and I think he's thinking much more short-term. I think the Panera camp is probably thinking much more long-term."The Rangers have time to decide on Artemi PanarinWhether Artemi Panarin stays or becomes a major trade-deadline piece will depend entirely on where the Rangers stand in the playoff race as the season progresses."I don't know if there's a long-term marriage there, so to speak, based on some of those differences, but again, it's December. We've got a lot of time to figure that out." Seravalli said.The Rangers sit at 14-12-2, seventh in the Metro, battling inconsistency while dealing with injuries such as Adam Fox’s LTIR stint. With a nearly even goals-for and goals-against ratio and middle-tier special teams, New York’s season still hangs in the balance.