The New York Rangers lost their second game to the New York Islanders in the span of two days, suffering a 2-1 defeat on Thursday night, as the absence of Artemi Panarin is clearly taking a toll on the team.

SAN JOSE – Artemi Panarin has likely played his last game with the New York Rangers, with the Eastern Conference’s last-place team expected to keep the star winger and pending unrestricted free agent out of its lineup until a trade to a playoff contender is finalized.

The New York Rangers appear to be on the verge of moving on from one of the greatest free-agent signings in franchise history. Multiple reports indicate Artemi Panarin has likely played his final game in a Rangers uniform,