The New York Rangers breathed a sigh of relief on Thursday as star forward Artemi Panarin returned to practice after suffering a lower-body injury during a 6-4 preseason win against the New York Islanders. Panarin, who left the game in the third period after playing 14 shifts in just under 12 minutes, had raised concerns when he did not practice the following day.
Rangers head coach Peter Laviolette shared his optimism on Wednesday, expressing hope that Panarin would be able to participate in at least one more preseason game before the regular season begins on October 9. Though Panarin did not play in Thursday’s preseason game against the Boston Bruins, his return to practice suggests he is on track to get more preseason action before the season opener.
After Thursday’s practice, Panarin confirmed to reporters that he expects to play in at least one more exhibition game. The 32-year-old forward is coming off a career-best season in which he recorded 49 goals and 120 points. His impressive point total last season ranked fourth in the entire NHL and was the second-highest in New York Rangers history, behind Jaromir Jagr’s 123 points during the 2005-06 season.
Panarin’s return is a huge boost for the Rangers as they prepare for the 2024-25 season. With his outstanding offensive production and pivotal role in the team’s success, his health is critical to their hopes of competing at the highest level. The injury scare appears to have been minor, and his quick return to practice signals that he is ready to build on last season’s achievements.
As the Rangers gear up for the regular season, the team and its fans will be eagerly awaiting Panarin’s return to game action, especially as they count on his leadership and scoring prowess. With Panarin back on the ice and poised for another strong year, the Rangers can focus on fine-tuning their roster and strategies before the start of the new season. His ability to contribute in all facets of the game will be crucial as they aim for a deep playoff run.
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