Artemi Panarin's future with the New York Rangers now in question following latest report

The Chicago Blackhawks' former forward, Artemi Panarin, who spent two seasons within the organization from 2015 to 2017, has now been looming in the rumor mill as of late.

This forward, who has now been a loyal Ranger since the 2019/20 NHL season, has been speculated to be on his way out of the organization.

These speculations and rumors began recently due to the fact that the New York Rangers and Panarin still haven't discussed any contract extensions.

The lack of development in a new contract has become more and more concerning for Rangers fans, and the big question is:

Panarin will be headed to his seventh season with the New York Rangers, where he has evidently become a massive contributor within the organization.

Could Panarin be returning to the Chicago Blackhawks?

Yet, as it stands now, Panarin and the Rangers have yet to open negotiations on a new deal, at least to our knowledge.

This may be due to the fact that it might not be worth it for the New York Rangers to keep Panarin around.

Panarin, who will be an unrestricted free agent (UFA) at the end of the 2025/26 NHL season if the Rangers do not offer him an extension, will be entering his seventh year of his seven-year, $11.5 million average annual value (AAV) deal.

And while most times an expensive forward is worth the cost, Panarin has failed to produce when the time counts, such as in the postseason, so the Rangers may just shift their priorities and move on from him.

This being said, as this forward's name continues to make its appearance through the rumor mill, it is still unknown what the future holds for this former Blackhawk.

Do you think the New York Rangers will offer former Blackhawk Artemi Panarin a contract extension?