The NY Rangers have climbed back into the playoff race with a strong 5-1 stretch, improving from 10-11-2 to 15-12-2. But according to NHL reporter Molliee Walker, the team’s fate over the next several weeks could determine whether general manager Chris Drury decides to trade star winger Artemi Panarin.Speaking on The Sheet with Jeff Marek, Walker said the Rangers’ long-term direction hinges on their ability to stay in the hunt."It depends if they really fall off and they don't make the playoffs again... I definitely think that there's going to be more movement," Walker said. "I mean, if they're not within any reasonable distance of the playoffs by the trade deadline."I mean, it would be negligent on Chris Drury not to use Artemi Panarin and see what kind of haul that they can get for him... So I would expect the next few weeks, especially leading up to the trade deadline, to kind of dictate where they're going to go. Two years in a row not making the playoffs is not going to be well received."Panarin is in the final season of his seven-year, $81.5 million contract, which carries an $11.64 million cap hit. He is set to become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2026.Despite the rumors, Panarin remains the team’s offensive spark with 30 points in 29 games.Artemi Panarin's 900th point in NY Rangers' 4-2 win over SenatorsThe NY Rangers earned a 4-2 win over the Ottawa Senators on Thursday, and the biggest highlight was Artemi Panarin reaching the 900-point milestone. Panarin recorded a goal and an assist, becoming one of the fastest undrafted players in NHL history to hit 900 points."It means a lot," he said after the game. "It also means I’ve had a long time in this league."Mika Zibanejad, Will Borgen, and Vladislav Gavrikov also scored for the NY Rangers, while J.T. Miller added three assists. Igor Shesterkin made 25 saves as the Rangers secured an NHL-leading 12th road win.