New York Rangers secure top free agent Artemi Panarin

After the New York Rangers drafted Kaapo Kakko No. 2 overall and made a trade for top defenseman Jacob Trouba, they have now also acquired Artemi Panarin.

By any definition, the Rangers’ rebuild is well ahead of schedule.

According to multiple reports, the New York Rangers have signed Panarin to a seven-year, $81.5 million contract with a $11.6M AAV. After being the talk of the trade rumor mill last season but staying committed to Columbus, Artemi Panarin was one of the top free agents available this summer.

Panarin was ranked No. 1 on USA TODAY Sports’ top 25 free agent list. Averaging 80 points per season in his first four NHL seasons, Panarin is ranked among the most skillful and sought after wingers.

Panarin scored 28 goals and had 87 points in 79 regular-season games this season, adding five goals and six assists in the playoffs. In his four year career, he racked up 116 goals and 204 assists for 320 regular-season points, averaging 80 points a season.

In his first four seasons, 80 (25%) of his 320 points have come on the Power Play. Panarin will provide an instant help for a Rangers’ power play, which ranked 17th in the NHL last season. Panarin is a sharp passer as well as productive scorer.

The New York Rangers have certainly been triumphant in their attempts to add skillful, young players to their roster. The Rangers and many others are hoping that this rebuild leads the team to success in the future.