Artemi Panarin is grateful for his time with the New York Rangers.
The Rangers traded Panarin to the Los Angeles Kings before the Olympic roster freeze hit. Panarin then inked a two-year, $22 million extension with the Kings.
Now, ahead of the NHL returning on Feb. 25, Panarin issued a message to the Rangers and fans.
“Dear NYR Fans, I wanted to express my genuine gratitude for the 7 years I’ve been playing as a New York Ranger! Thank you for your support, for the many great moments we had together,” Panarin wrote. “You will always have a special place in my heart! A big “Thank You” to the entire Rangers organization! Thank you to the entire Rangers organization! Thank you for letting me play for this legendary team at MSG, live in his amazing city. As a boy from Korkino, I’ve never even dreamed of playing at MSG, and being able to come into this building for 7 years was absolutely special to me. I’m deeply grateful to have had the opportunity.
“7 years ago, I chose New York with my heart, and I didn’t choose wrong! New York, you will always be in my heart! I hope you will forever remember my blocked shots. I’m a little nervous to think about coming back in March, but I’m looking forward and can’t wait to see you all! Artemi.”
It’s a heartfelt message from Panarin to New York fans and the entire Rangers organization.
Panarin and the Kings will return to New York to play the Rangers on March 16.
King Ecstatic to Land Panarin
Los Angeles ended up winning the Panarin sweepstakes as the Russian wanted to be dealt to the Kings.
Following the trade, Kings’ general manager Ken Holland said he was ecstatic to land Panarin from the Rangers.
“Obviously, we made the deal today to make our team better,” Holland said. “We signed him to a two-year extension. We weren’t going to do it as a rental. He didn’t want to go anywhere as a rental. He wanted to find a home, so we’re thrilled that he wanted to waive the no-trade (clause) to come to LA.
“We’re happy that we were able to get him to a two-year extension, and after two years, I’m hoping that we’re working on another extension, but (I’ll) worry about that down the road. I think it was just a matter of these types of players with this resume are very, very difficult to find, and we had an opportunity to add one today.”
Panarin has recorded 19 goals and 38 assists for 57 points in 52 games this season.
Rangers Know Replacing Panarin Won’t be Easy
New York said the plan was to retool, and trading Panarin was the most obvious move.
Yet, Rangers head coach Mike Sullivan admitted replacing Panarin won’t be easy.
“Panarin is a terrific player and a great teammate, and he’s good friends with a lot of the guys that are in that dressing room,” Sullivan said. “That has an impact on guys. I thought our guys did a great job, just as far as controlling what they can and bringing the right intentions out there. But obviously, he’s one of the best Rangers of his generation, and he’s not an easy guy to replace, not in the lineup, but everybody understands it.”
The Rangers are 22-29-6 and in last place in the East.
Artemi Panarin Shares Heartfelt Message to Rangers Following Trade to Kings