Rangers latest move spells bad news for Artemi Panarin

Artemi Panarin is currently out of the New York Rangers lineup and is not expected to return until after the Olympic break. This decision follows ongoing trade discussions between the star-forward and the Rangers front office.

Rangers latest move could send Artemi Panarin away

Artemi Panarin has officially been scratched from the lineup due to "asset protection" and "roster management" considerations. This decision began with Wednesday night's game and is expected to persist. NHL insider Frank Seravalli reported that Panarin is not anticipated to play in any games before the Olympics, as the team is opting to "play it safe until a trade materializes."

#NYR Artemi Panarin is out of tonight's lineup for asset protection purposes - and he's not expected to play in any of the Rangers' games before the Olympics, playing it safe until a trade materializes.

Panarin has been with the New York Rangers for the past seven years on an $81.5 million contract that includes a no-movement clause, granting him complete control over his future destination. He will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, and there have been no indications from the Rangers that they plan to re-sign him before he enters the open market.

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