Rangers meeting with free agent Artemi Panarin this week

Panarin a top target, but may be tough to lure him to New York

6/25/2019, 8:34 PM
Apr 30, 2019; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Artemi Panarin (9) controls the puck against the Boston Bruins in the third period during game three of the second round of the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports / Russell LaBounty
Apr 30, 2019; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets left wing Artemi Panarin (9) controls the puck against the Boston Bruins in the third period during game three of the second round of the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports / Russell LaBounty

The Rangers are making their push for free agent Artemi Panarin, but their hopes of landing him do not appear favorable. 

According to Rick Carpiniello of The Athletic, the Rangers are meeting with Panarin this week but it remains possible, if not probable, that he will sign with the Florida Panthers instead. 

Rangers president John Davidson, who knows Panarin well from his time as the Columbus Blue Jackets president, is expected to be part of the meeting with the free agent winger. 

Panarin, 27, is a four-time All-Star and finished last season with 28 goals and 59 assists for a career-high 87 points. 

The Rangers are trying to accelerate their rebuilding phase this offseason, trading for defenseman Jacob Trouba and drafting 18-year-old Swedish phenom Kaapo Kakko with the second overall pick in the NHL Draft. 

Free agency begins July 1. 

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