NHL Insider ‘Bullish’ on NY Rangers Playoff Chances with Key Forward Still in Mix

NHL Insider ‘Bullish’ on NY Rangers Playoff Chances with Key Forward Still in Mix

Nearly a month after weighing in on New York Rangers star winger Artemi Panarin’s future, NHL insider Frank Seravalli addressed the franchise’s outlook in a new livestream.

Seravalli envisions a quick rebound season for the Rangers, with the Russian star still at the forefront, after both the team and the player endured a tough year in 2025, following their appearance in the Eastern Conference finals in 2024

During Tuesday’s “Insider Notebook” for Bleacher Report, Seravalli said the team is primed to rejoin the playoff race after missing the cut last year with an 85-point, fifth-place finish in the Metropolitan Division.

“I don’t think (the Rangers should sell off and acquire valuable prospects and draft picks). I think the Rangers are a playoff team. I think they’re bouncing right back into it,” Seravalli said. “They’re going to have new blood with a new coach, new energy. They have to defend better as a team, but maybe the coaching will help with some of that…

“I’m bullish on the Rangers. I think they’re in a prime spot to compete

While Panarin has faced criticism for his lower postseason production compared to his regular-season numbers, Seravalli defended the winger’s impact over 82 games as equally valuable.

“I know people have complained he’s not the guy you win with in the playoffs, but man, is he a good player and, man, does he help you win in the regular season,” Seravalli said