Post by mbest (ANA) on Apr 26, 2016 18:47:08 GMT -5
Panarin, Rangers Reach Agreement; Fowler Set to Play
Sources inside the New York Rangers organization say the team has come to an agreement with winger Artemi Panarin on a contract extension. Panarin was due to be a restricted free agent this coming offseason.
When reached for comment, Ranger GM Michael Best refused to offer details pending league approval but had high remarks for Panarin.
"He kind of got called out a couple weeks ago after getting thrown out of the game on a dumb check to the head," Best explained, "but we like the way he responded with 3 goals and 7 assists the next seven games. We all know checking isn't his best skill but he has been developing rapidly otherwise."
Panarin ranks third on the Rangers in shot attempts (121) despite playing third line minutes. His 29 points ties Chris Kreider for second on the team and he is 5 of 6 on shootouts.
Best did add that the contract is in the range of what would have been a second round pick in compensation had Panarin reached a deal with another team in the offseason and felt the 25-year old was worth keeping instead.
Best also was asked his reasoning for trading for defensemen Cam Fowler, who will make his debut against the Devils Jan. 23.
"He has 10 points on the power play," the GM explained. "The grand total of all our remaining defensemen this season is - zero. Enough said."
Dan Boyle, who departed in the deal to Buffalo, had two goals and two assists in that capacity.
Sources inside the New York Rangers organization say the team has come to an agreement with winger Artemi Panarin on a contract extension. Panarin was due to be a restricted free agent this coming offseason.
When reached for comment, Ranger GM Michael Best refused to offer details pending league approval but had high remarks for Panarin.
"He kind of got called out a couple weeks ago after getting thrown out of the game on a dumb check to the head," Best explained, "but we like the way he responded with 3 goals and 7 assists the next seven games. We all know checking isn't his best skill but he has been developing rapidly otherwise."
Panarin ranks third on the Rangers in shot attempts (121) despite playing third line minutes. His 29 points ties Chris Kreider for second on the team and he is 5 of 6 on shootouts.
Best did add that the contract is in the range of what would have been a second round pick in compensation had Panarin reached a deal with another team in the offseason and felt the 25-year old was worth keeping instead.
Best also was asked his reasoning for trading for defensemen Cam Fowler, who will make his debut against the Devils Jan. 23.
"He has 10 points on the power play," the GM explained. "The grand total of all our remaining defensemen this season is - zero. Enough said."
Dan Boyle, who departed in the deal to Buffalo, had two goals and two assists in that capacity.