Panarin Stands Firm on Contract Terms, Rejects Rangers Discount Offer — Friedman

The forward of the New York Rangers, **[Artemi Panarin](https://www.nhl.com/player/artemiy-panarin-8477495)**, has declined to offer a discount to the team regarding his new contract. According to Sportsnet insider **Elliotte Friedman**, the club considered Anze Kopitar’s deal with the Los Angeles Kings as a benchmark. In 2023, the Slovenian player extended his contract with the Kings for two years, worth $7 million per season, whereas he previously earned $10 million annually.

“The team inquired whether Panarin would agree to a deal similar to Kopitar’s. The response was negative. It will be a substantial amount,” Friedman reported, as stated by Sportsnet.

Currently, the 33-year-old Rangers forward has a contract that runs until June 30, 2026, with a cap hit of $11.64 million.