Artemi Panarin scratched at the last-minute for trade related purposes

The New York Rangers disaster 2024/25 season threatened a massive overhaul for the organization, but with some of the moves they made, they entered this season with cautious optimism.

Unfortunately, things have simply gone from bad to worse under new captain J.T. Miller, and now, with the 2026 trade deadline approaching, they're likely going to move out more of their top veterans.

The player most likely to be moved is Artemi Panarin, the veteran winger who is drawing immense interest around the league, even if he is a pending free agent following the season.

Now, his future has officially been confirmed, as the Rangers have now scratched the 34-year old veteran ahead of their latest game, with the team now set to keep him out of the lineup to protect their asset.

According to NHL Insider Frank Seravalli, he's expected to play no further games for the Rangers ahead of the Olympics in February, with the team now ready to deal him following a successful stint in New York.

Across his career, Panarin has tallied 927 points in 804 games played, and with 57 in 52 games this season, even with the Rangers struggling, he's been fantastic, with post-season contenders now likely lining up to add the star winger.

Ultimately, it's always been a matter of when, not if Panarin was going to be traded, but now that has been confirmed, all eyes are on New York, and after their trade of Carson Soucy, it appears as though the organization is fully open for business.

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