Artemi Panarin is still processing that his tenure with the New York Rangers is likely coming to an end soon after the organization reportedly told him that it won't offer a new contract as it embarks on a retool.
"It's hard to say how I feel," Panarin told The Athletic's Vincent Z. Mercogliano after Saturday's 6-3 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers. "I'm still confused, but the GM decided to go in a different direction. I'm OK with that. I'm a Ranger player right now, so I'll play every game 100%."
The game marked New York's first contest since general manager Chris Drury announced that changes to the roster are imminent. Panarin wasn't interested in diving deeper into the topic.
"I actually said everything I want to say about this situation," he said. "Let's talk about hockey."
Panarin has a full no-move clause, meaning he can pick his destination if the Rangers trade him before the March 6 trade deadline. He carries an $11.642-million cap hit before hitting unrestricted free agency this summer. He collected three points Saturday, bringing his season total to 54 points in 48 appearances.
