- Rangers management hopes to decide on Panarin’s future and team direction before the upcoming Olympic break.
- Artemi Panarin is currently under an expiring contract with a no-move clause.
- The Rangers are considering selling assets as they face a challenging season.
- Blayden Point’s status for Team Canada at the Olympics remains uncertain due to his right knee injury.
Rangers Struggle and Trade Possibilities
The New York Rangers’ season has taken a downturn, with fans booing their team at Madison Square Garden. The club’s management is under pressure to make significant changes before the upcoming Olympic break.
Chris Drury, the Rangers’ general manager, is faced with several challenges, including injuries and defensive struggles. He is looking for ways to improve his defense and stop the bleeding on both ends of the ice.
One key player in this decision-making process is Artemi Panarin, who has been on an expiring contract without negotiations for a new deal.
Drury’s hope is that by addressing Panarin’s situation before the break, he can make informed decisions about his roster and future direction. However, Panarin has expressed no interest in waiving his no-move clause, leaving Drury to consider how to proceed with this star player.
Kiefer Sherwood Trade Talks
The Rangers’ pivot towards selling assets has led them to reconsider their pursuit of Kiefer Sherwood from the Vancouver Canucks. According to Chris Johnston, the Rangers offered a young player and a second-round pick in exchange for Sherwood, but this offer was not sufficient.
Johnston notes that this outcome suggests the Canucks may be more willing to part with certain players than others. The Canucks are known to have multiple assets on the table, including potential trades of Nazem Kadri, Rasmus Andersson, and other notable players. However, their willingness to trade these players will depend on the market price.
Brayden Point’s Olympic Status Uncertain
Blayden Point’s participation in the Milan Olympics remains uncertain due to his right knee injury. Team Canada brass is willing to wait and see how he recovers before making a decision. Point himself has not ruled out the possibility of playing, given his history as a fast healer.
The Rangers are keeping their options open for Point’s participation but recognize that they may need to wait until closer to the Olympics to make a final call on his availability.
Conclusion
The New York Rangers face a critical period leading up to the upcoming Olympic break. They must decide on Artemi Panarin’s future, evaluate their roster for potential trades, and ensure that their players are in top condition, especially as they consider Brayden Point’s availability for the Olympics. The Rangers’ fate will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike as this period unfolds.
