Rangers Injury Update: Artemi Panarin Exits Preseason Game Again with Lower-Body Issue
For the second time this preseason, New York Rangers forward Artemi Panarin was forced to leave a game early due to a lower-body injury. He exited Tuesday’s game against the New Jersey Devils at Madison Square Garden during the first period.
Last week, Panarin left in the third period of a 6-4 win against the New York Islanders with a similar issue, which was initially thought to be minor. After missing practice Wednesday, Panarin returned to the ice Thursday but didn’t play in subsequent games against the Boston Bruins or the Devils.
This injury raises concerns with the season opener against the Pittsburgh Penguins just around the corner on Oct. 9. Panarin skated for only 2:25 across four shifts Tuesday before leaving at 7:13 of the first period.
Coach Peter Laviolette expressed concern postgame, stating, “There’s always a concern when a player leaves early.”
The Rangers are already dealing with other injuries, including defenseman Ryan Lindgren (upper body) and forward Jimmy Vesey (lower body), both expected to miss several weeks. Lindgren was hurt during a fight with Islanders’ Scott Mayfield, while Vesey’s injury occurred in practice.
Panarin, who has been highly productive and durable, recorded an NHL career-high 49 goals and 120 points last season. Since joining the Rangers in 2019, he has amassed 461 points in 350 games. Panarin has played all 82 games for the past two seasons and missed only seven games in 2021-22.
If Panarin is sidelined, the Rangers may look at options like moving Kaapo Kakko to his line or promoting third-line winger Will Cuylle or rookie Brennan Othmann. However, the severity of Panarin’s injury remains unknown, leaving the team in suspense as they await further updates.
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