"New York fans can be irrational and emotional at points but they're also savvy and in touch with their teams and all they want to know is if their team is doing enough to deliver a championship. This has been a major complaint with the current window, and how the Rangers win now preference is balanced with figuring out what to do with Artemi Panarin."
"Chris Drury has made a series of moves in the last eighteen months that would signal that he wants the Rangers to win now rather than look to build to the future. Adding J.T. Miller, re-signing Igor Shesterkin to a massive extension, bringing in Vincent Trocheck, not shipping out Mika Zibanejad, and extending Adam Fox to a massive extension as well all signal that the GM is looking to contend for a Cup right now rather than waiting."
A persistent myth holds that rebuilding in New York is impossible and that fans will reject long rebuilds. New York fans are often emotional but remain savvy and focused on whether the team can deliver a championship. Fans accepted a prior rebuild under Jeff Gorton when the franchise was transparent. The current front office under Chris Drury has made multiple win-now moves, including signings and extensions for core veterans, signaling a push to contend immediately. Artemi Panarin represents a pivotal decision as the team balances the present window, aging key players, and cap considerations ahead of 2026 and beyond.
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