Overview
- Panarin is in the final season of a seven-year, $81.5 million contract (AAV about $11.64 million) and can become a UFA on July 1.
- He has seven points in 12 games and the Rangers are 5-5-2, figures cited as part of the team’s cautious posture.
- Reporting says Panarin wants the biggest deal he can get rather than a hometown discount.
- Term is expected to be the main sticking point as Panarin seeks length at age 34 and the Rangers are believed to favor shorter.
- A rising cap projected near $104 million and a shrinking pool of top UFAs, combined with agent Paul Theofanous’ hard-bargaining history, strengthen Panarin’s negotiating position.