Artemi Panarin, a former Rangers winger, reflects on his time with the team, sharing a controversial insight into his departure. After a 10-2 loss to Boston, Panarin felt like he was on the chopping block, despite his stellar performance. He led the team in scoring every year, including this season, with 57 points. However, the Rangers' decision to trade him to the Los Angeles Kings raised questions among fans. Panarin's value to the team was undeniable, as he holds franchise records for points per game, assists per game, and goals created per game. Despite his success, the Rangers' management chose to punt on the rest of the season and 'retool'. This move sparked debate among fans, who wondered why the team wouldn't want Panarin back. Panarin's departure was a surprise, as he had signed a seven-year, $81.5 million deal with the Rangers in 2019. He expressed his disappointment, stating that he felt the team wasn't sure if they wanted him or not, which led him to decline their offer. The Rangers' decision to trade Panarin to the Kings, who he wished to join, was met with mixed reactions. The return package included a 20-year-old winger and conditional draft picks, which Panarin agreed to, fearing the Kings didn't want him. Despite the controversy, Panarin's time with the Rangers was memorable, and he praised the organization and fans. He signed a two-year extension with the Kings, worth $22 million, after initial talks broke down. The Rangers' decision to trade Panarin remains a topic of discussion, leaving fans to ponder the reasons behind it.
