** Update: March 10, 2021:
The New York Rangers announced that Artemi Panarin has returned to practice after taking a leave of absence from the team. Panarin had taken leave from the organization and the NHL to deal with a false accusation spread by a former KHL coach and Russian media out, one in which there was no evidence to back their allegations.
From the moment the reports surfaced that Panarin had allegedly physically abused an 18-year-old girl in a bar, the Rangers and Panarin claimed the reports were untrue. Still, the NHL forward was concerned for his families well being and wanted to make sure things were looked after before playing any more games.
It has been several weeks since he left the team, but Rangers fans are excited to not only have back their top offensive weapon, but that he and his family are fine.
What Was the Original Issue?
An odd and troubling report emerged Monday morning that NHL superstar Artemi Panarin was taking some time away from the New York Rangers. After a story was run out of Russia that he physically beat up an 18-year-old girl, Panarin has denied the allegations but is leaving the Rangers, seemingly to take care of his family who could be in danger based on the political motivation behind what he calls a fake story.
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From what we can gather, Panarin has been critical of Kremlin and outspoken against Putin and he’s concerned about the well being of his family in Russia. He claims the story has been totally fabricated for political reasons and Larry Brooks of the New York Post writes:
Retribution was feared after Panarin’s Instagram post on 1/21 in support of opposition leader Alexi Navalny with caption “Freedom for Navalny.” Panarin, who has family in Russia, has been outspoken against Putin.
Andrei Nazarov, ex KHL coach/NHL enforcer is claiming Panarin beat up an 18-year-old girl in a Russian bar years ago. He says it set a pattern of evil behavior that has culminated in his anti-Putin statements.
The Rangers have released a statement on the matter Monday and wrote the following:
Artemi vehemently and unequivocally denies any and all allegations in this fabricated story. This is clearly an intimidation tactic being used against him for being outspoken on recent political events. Artemi is obviously shaken and concerned and will take some time away from the team. The Rangers fully support Artemi and will work with him to identify the source of these unfounded allegations.
Obviously, our hope is that the story of physical abuse is not true. Second, if these reports were made up and targeted Panarin because of political comments he may have made, we hope his family is alright and that those responsible for putting them in danger are discovered and charged.
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