Rangers News
New York Rangers star Artemi Panarin left training camp practice on Friday with a lower-body injury and did not return to the ice.
The 33-year-old winger sustained the injury during the second day of Rangers training camp at the MSG Training Center. Panarin departed practice midway through drills and was ruled out for the remainder of the session. First-year head coach Mike Sullivan confirmed the injury but downplayed its severity following practice.
Sullivan described Panarin as day-to-day and emphasized the team’s cautious approach. He said the injury is more precautionary than anything serious, given the early stage of training camp. The Rangers want to ensure they stay ahead of any potential issues that could develop into larger problems.
The timing raises concern with the Rangers’ preseason opener scheduled for Sunday at 1:00 PM against the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center. Panarin has been remarkably durable throughout his career, missing just two games over the past three seasons. He dealt with a similar lower-body injury near the end of training camp last season but went on to record 15 points in the team’s first eight regular-season games.
Panarin enters the final year of his seven-year contract worth $81.5 million that he signed in 2019. The Russian winger has led New York in scoring every season since joining the team, accumulating 550 points in 430 games. Last season he recorded 37 goals and 52 assists for 89 points in 80 appearances, though the Rangers missed the playoffs for the first time in four years.
Contract negotiations between Panarin and general manager Chris Drury remain private. Panarin has expressed no concern about his contract situation, stating he is used to such circumstances and remains focused on his preparation for the upcoming season.
