It's absolutely the correct move. He was a very good signing, but it's time to move on. We'll also get to see if Panarin wants to do the Rangers one last solid and agree to be traded to 3 or 4 teams instead of just one team.
If he says he'll only go to one team, the Rangers will get very little for him with zero leverage, think Kane to us a few years back when he said NYR or nothing. If he says I'll go to at least 3, if not 4, teams, the Rangers could maybe even get a 1st rounder back.
I would hope after many good years and being treated well here, Panarin will have some flexibility and agree to 3 or 4 teams he'd be willing to end this season with (this summer he can sign wherever he wants to be long term).
Do the Rangers a solid Artemi!!!