The Rangers are likely to attempt to bring Artemi Panarin to Broadway when the free agent market opens on Monday, but sources have indicated that the team will not engage in a bidding war in order to secure the skilled winger.

It is true that the best laid intentions sometimes go up in smoke when the bell rings, but we are told that if the Blueshirts extend Panarin an offer of seven years in the range of $11-11.25 million, they would not then increase their offer to match/exceed higher bids.

Panarin, who recorded 87 points (28-59) last year for the Blue Jackets, met with New York’s upper management Thursday at the Garden. The Russian, who will turn 28 on Oct. 30, is also being pursued by the Islanders and Panthers, both of whom have something to offer that the Rangers do not. That is the ability to sign both Panarin and fellow pending Columbus émigré and countryman Sergei Bobrovsky, the goaltender who will turn 31 on Sept. 20.

Roberto Luongo’s retirement has created the opening for the Panthers, who also have the no-tax state advantage to present. Meanwhile, it appears as if Robin Lehner, who combined with Thomas Greiss to form the Islanders’ goaltending tandem that allowed the fewest goals in the NHL, will become a free agent on July 1. Thus, the Islanders’ No. 1 job is open.

And general manager Lou Lamoriello has been known to make a splash in the Caspian Sea when it comes to signing free agents to whopping contracts. Mumble, grumble, Ilya Kovalchuk.

The Rangers do appear leaning toward extending Panarin a whopping contract of their own, though our understanding is that a firm decision had not been reached, at least as of early Friday. Signing the winger, who has recorded 116 goals, 204 assists and 320 points through his four-year career split between the Blackhawks and Blue Jackets, would both elevate the club’s talent level and trigger various moves over the summer to clear cap space while imperiling Chris Kreider’s long-term future with team.

But if Panarin, through his agent, Paul Theofanous, pits the Rangers against the Panthers and/or Islanders in a high stakes match game, the they are very unlikely to play.

General manager Jeff Gorton had substantive contract talks with Jacob Trouba’s agent, Kurt Overhardt, at the draft in Vancouver, The Post has learned. The parties did not reach an agreement, but the pending restricted free agent defenseman, acquired on June 17 from Winnipeg for the 20th-overall pick in the draft and Neal Pionk, is expected to sign a seven-year deal in the tony neighborhood of $7.5-8 million per season.

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