Overview
- Pierre LeBrun reports New York is in no hurry to open meaningful talks with the pending UFA winger.
- Term looms as the key hurdle, with Panarin expected to seek a long commitment while the Rangers prefer shorter.
- Panarin, 34, is in the final year of his seven-year deal at a $11.642 million AAV and can reach free agency on July 1.
- Elliotte Friedman says Panarin wants the biggest deal he can get, with agent Paul Theofanous expected to press for maximum value in a rising cap environment projected near $104 million.
- Early performance adds context to the calculus, with Panarin at seven points in 12 games and the Rangers 5-5-2, keeping trade chatter a speculative possibility if results deteriorate.