How Artemi Panarin is handling the Rangers contract questions hovering

Artemi Panarin echoed the same sentiment as Rangers president and general manager Chris Drury when he fielded questions about his impending unrestricted free agency on the first day of training camp Thursday. 

“Focus on hockey,” he said. “Try to show my best.” 

The 33-year-old wing is entering the final season of the seven-year, $81.5 million contract he signed as a free agent from the Columbus Blue Jackets in July 2019.

Since then, Panarin has easily been one of the top free-agent signings the NHL has seen in recent memory. 

Consistently leading the Rangers in points since pulling on the red, white and blue sweater, Panarin has amassed 186 points and 364 assists in 430 games. He posted a career high in points in a single season in 2023-24, when he racked up 120 (49 goals, 71 assists) in 82 games. 

“That’s obviously good for everyone, probably, to feel that security,” Panarin said when asked if he would like to have something done before the season. “It’s not [my] first year in hockey, so I’m used to it, being in that situation. Not every year. It is what it is right now. Not [complaining] about that. I’m ready to work hard.” 

Kicking off his first training camp without Chris Kreider, Mika Zibanejad was forthcoming with his feelings about adjusting without his best friend. 

“I felt like it was coming. It wasn’t out of the blue,” the Swede said. “Not going to stand here and lie and say, ‘It’s part of the business.’ Obviously, it was tough. It’s an adjustment time. But I think as a human being, I’m not going to push those feelings away. I think I just accept that. Accept that it’s my longest linemate, longest teammate I’ve had in my career. It’s one of my best friends. It’s weird not to see him come through these doors. For the first few weeks, kind of waiting for him to come. I’m happy as long as he’s happy.” 

Coach Mike Sullivan ran a fitness-focused session Thursday that saw the team skate hard. 

“I told them all from the meetings that I’ve had with them in the offseason that I was going to push them hard,” he said. “Today was the first day of that. … It’s my responsibility to try to help them become the best versions of themselves.” 

The Rangers unveiled their centennial jersey, which will be worn at select games this season.