The New York Rangers have potentially seen the last game from their leading scorer in five of the past six seasons.

Keeping Panarin out of the lineup for roster management purposes now means the Rangers are either close to moving him or protecting him from injury because of the intent to trade him. "The team decided to go in a different direction," Panarin said following a 6-3 win against the Philadelphia Flyers on Jan. 17. "I'm OK with that."

Ondrej Palat scored the opening goal and added an assist in his debut with the New York Islanders, who defeated their cross-town rival New York Rangers 5-2 on Wednesday night.

Just a few seasons ago, the New York Rangers were at the top of the league, Presidents’ Trophy winners. Now, New York is 22-25-6 and fighting to keep their season alive.

Artemi Panarin was held out of the lineup against the New York Islanders on Friday for roster management purposes amid the trade rumors.

Artemi Panarin’s time with the Rangers could be reaching its end.

With the retool official and the Rangers looking for trade partners, who might they get back? Let's break it down.

The New York Rangers healthy-scratched Artemi Panarin for roster-related reasons, according to Mollie Walker of the New York Post. Not only did Panarin sit Wednesday night against the New York Islanders, but Walker shared that he won’t be back in the lineup before the upcoming Olympic break.

Snapshots from the New York Islanders' win over the New York Rangers on January 28th, 2026. Photo credit: Dennis DaSilva, Sam Johnston, Emeline Malkin/New York Islanders and Steven Ryan/NHLI via Getty Images