Artemi panarin resigns from new york rangers citing personal reasons
in a surprising development, new york rangers star forward artemi panarin has announced his resignation from the team, effective immediately. the 33-year-old winger, widely regarded as one of the premier offensive talents in the nhl, cited personal reasons for his decision, leaving fans and analysts stunned.
in a statement released by the team on friday, panarin expressed gratitude for his time in new york but noted the necessity of stepping away from professional hockey to address matters in his personal life. “this decision was not made lightly,” he wrote. “playing for the new york rangers has been one of the greatest privileges of my life, but at this time, i need to focus on things beyond the rink.”
panarin’s departure comes at a critical juncture for the rangers, who have shown promise this season in their pursuit of the stanley cup. with panarin as a cornerstone of their offense, the team was poised for a strong playoff push. his leadership on and off the ice, combined with his knack for game-changing plays, made him a fan favorite and a central figure in the franchise’s resurgence.
head coach peter laviolette expressed his support for panarin, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing personal well-being. “artemi has been an integral part of this team, not just as a player but as a person. while we are saddened to lose him, we fully respect his decision and wish him the best as he navigates this chapter of his life.”
rumors surrounding panarin’s personal life have circulated in recent weeks, though no specifics have been confirmed. some speculate the decision may relate to his family or health, but both panarin and the organization have remained tight-lipped on the exact circumstances.
panarin, affectionately known as the “breadman,” joined the rangers in 2019 after signing a blockbuster seven-year, $81.5 million deal. during his tenure, he consistently ranked among the league’s top scorers, dazzling fans with his exceptional skating, vision, and playmaking ability. his contributions helped transform the rangers into perennial playoff contenders.
this season, panarin was on pace for another stellar campaign, with 30 points in 22 games, further solidifying his reputation as one of the nhl’s elite players. his absence will undoubtedly create a significant void in the lineup, forcing the team to rely more heavily on emerging stars like alexis lafrenière and kaapo kakko.
fans have taken to social media to express their shock and support for panarin. messages of gratitude and well-wishes flooded twitter and instagram, showcasing the deep connection he had with the rangers’ community.
general manager chris drury addressed the media, reassuring fans that the team would remain competitive despite the setback. “we’ll explore all options moving forward, but right now, our thoughts are with artemi and his family,” drury said.
as panarin steps away from the sport, the nhl world is left to ponder the legacy of one of its brightest stars and the future of the rangers without him. while his departure raises many questions, one thing is certain: artemi panarin’s impact on the game and the city of new york will not be forgotten.
