Rangers’ Artemi Panarin Issues Definitive Injury Update
The New York Rangers chose to deploy star forward Artemi Panarin in two of their preseason games and both times he was forced out of them with different injuries. Panarin, who is coming off his best regular season in the NHL, couldn’t have the most optimal training camp and preseason, but he finally returned to practice on Monday, just ahead of Wednesday’s season opener against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Rangers head coach Peter Laviolette sounded optimistic about the availability of Panarin for the opener, but he left the door open for his possible absence.
“He made it through the practice today without any issues,” Laviolette said, per USA Today’s Vince Mercogliano. “That’s a positive.” Panarin, however, slammed shut any questions and speculation about his availability, whether Laviolette liked him to do so in such an open way or not.
“I feel good right now,” Panarin said. “I hope I’m good to go.” The star forward had missed the previous five days with a lower-body injury, leaving his availability for Wednesday up in the air. After a full practice session with his usual linemates on the top forward line–that’s Vincent Trocheck in the middle and Alexis Lafreniere on the right wing–Panarin should be ready to face the Penguins on Wednesday.
Panarin left last week’s preseason game against the New Jersey Devils as a precaution after just four shifts, and he didn’t suit up against the New York Islanders in the team’s preseason finale. Meanwhile, the Rangers face more uncertainty with Ryan Lindgren and Jimmy Vesey, as the franchise made official their placement on injured reserve (IR) to start the season. Lindgren will remain on IR reserve following a preseason fight with Scott Mayfield, while Vesey was placed on long-term injured reserve (LTIR) after suffering a lower-body injury in practice. Vesey is guaranteed to miss at least 10 games, while Lindgren continues to skate on his own as he works toward a return.
In his second season behind the New York Rangers bench, coach Peter Laviolette will once again try to lead his team to a Stanley Cup championship. In year one, the Rangers came close, reaching the Eastern Conference Final before being eliminated by the eventual champion Florida Panthers in six games.
Now, it is time to turn ahead to 2024-25, where the Rangers and Laviolette have essentially the same group of players looking to get over the hump of the third round.
“I always think there’s an excitement,” Laviolette explained on Monday. “The end of last year is so far rearview mirror stuff and the windshield now is just looking at this brand new season. It’s a chance to make your mark and go out and do great things. It starts with game one in Pittsburgh.”
The Rangers will drop the puck at PPG Paints Arena against Sidney Crosby and the Penguins on Wednesday, officially marking the start of the new season, and turning the page on last year’s bitter playoff exit.
