GREENBURGH, N.Y. -- Artemi Panarin is focusing on his preparation for this season and doesn't want to publicly discuss his contract situation, the New York Rangers forward said Thursday.

Panarin is entering the final season of a seven-year, $81.5 million contract he signed with the Rangers on July 1, 2019, the last time he was an unrestricted free agent. The 33-year-old can become a UFA on July 1, 2026, and was non-committal on if he feels it to be important to re-sign with New York before or during the season.

"That's obviously good for everyone to feel that security, but I'm not in my first year in hockey so I'm used to being in those situations, not every year but it is what it is right now," Panarin said. "I'm not complaining right now. I'm ready to work hard."

Panarin has led th

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