Here are the key storylines for the New York Rangers and their upcoming schedule for the week of Feb. 1-8, 2026.
Artemi Panarin’s Impending Exit
The dominant story in New York is the official signal that the team is “retooling.” The most immediate impact is on superstar winger Artemi Panarin.
Panarin has been held out of the lineup (including the recent Jan. 31 game vs. the Pittsburgh Penguins) for “roster management purposes.” This is standard NHL code indicating a trade is imminent, and the team does not want to risk injury.
Panarin possesses a full no-move clause (NMC), meaning he controls his destination. Rumors suggest he prefers a contender (teams like the Florida Panthers or Colorado Avalanche have been speculated), but the Rangers are racing against the Feb. 4 roster freeze for the Olympics to move him.
Reports indicate general manager Chris Drury informed Panarin the team would not offer him an extension, prompting the move to trade him now rather than lose him for nothing in free agency.
A “Horrid” January & Season Struggles
The Rangers have cratered in the standings, currently sitting last in the Eastern Conference with a record of 22-28-6.
They finished January with a dismal 3-10-1 record.
They have lost six of their last seven games, including a 6-5 loss to the Penguins yesterday, despite a two-goal performance from Alexis Lafrenière.
Critical Injuries to Star Players
The team’s collapse has been exacerbated by the long-term absence of their two most important defensive pillars, who have both been out since Jan. 5 with lower-body injuries:
Igor Shesterkin (G): His absence has left the goaltending unstable.
Adam Fox (D): The defense has struggled significantly to move the puck without him.
New Injury: Noah Laba left the Jan. 31 game with an upper-body injury.
Roster Movement
In a minor move typical of a team looking for young assets, the Rangers claimed defenseman Vincent Iorio off waivers from the San Jose Sharks on Jan. 31.
Rangers Schedule Feb 1 – 8
| Date | Opponent | Time (EST) | Location | Notes |
| Thu, Feb 5 | Carolina Hurricanes | 7:00 PM | MSG (Home) | Last game before break |
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