Artemi Panarin scoffs at rumors the Rangers would trade him
Artemi Panarin simply isn’t having any of the rumors that Chris Drury was upset with his performance in the playoffs.
In a Russian interview posted on the YouTube channel for Sports-Express, Panarin was asked specifically about that criticism and subsequent trade rumors.
“Speculators,” Panarin shot back. “I haven’t heard of such a thing firsthand.”
Artemi Panarin scoffs at trade rumors
Panarin, 30, registered 16 points in 20 games this past postseason. Being the highest paid player on the team ($11.6M AAV), his stats may have been wanting but he was competing.
After the playoffs concluded, it was revealed that Panarin’s center, Ryan Strome was battling through a painful lower-body injury. This undoubtedly had an impact on Panarin, who relies on playing a high-paced east-west style with his line mates to open up ice and create chances.
Still, some wondered if Panarin himself was battling any physical issues. Outside of the expected wear and tear from playing 20 playoff games in 40 days, nothing was reported except rumblings that Drury wasn’t happy with his superstar.
Two league sources said Drury was vocally unhappy about Panarin’s play in the postseason, when he had 16 points in 20 games but not the consistent impact anyone around the Rangers hoped for or needed. If there’s a rift, Panarin could ask out, as near-impossible as it would be to move this mammoth contract.
Arthur Staple, The Athletic (Subscription Required)
“I’m sure I could play better,” Panarin responded. “What did they write there? I really don’t know… I’m already used to not paying attention.”
Panarin expressed his displeasure with the rumors, not necessarily for himself but for his grandfather who read the reports. That prompted him to question where Artemi might get traded.
“I’m just shocked by this. Where are they trading me? They can’t trade me,” Panarin stated. “If these people understood at least a little, they would know that my contract [has a no-move clause] and a trade is impossible.”
Panarin signed a 7 year deal back in 2019 with the Rangers that includes a full no-move close for the duration of the contract. He is entering the 4th year of the deal which concludes at the end of the 2025-26 season.
In three seasons with the Blueshirts, Panarin has 249 points in 186 regular-season games.
Note: Translations via YouTube Transcript, Google Translate, with help from Oleg Sosnov.
Editor’s note: Corrected year when Panarin’s contract will expire.
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