New York Rangers star Artemi Panarin is taking a leave of absence from the team for personal reasons.
The news comes after a Russian newspaper published allegations from Panarin's former KHL coach, Andrei Nazarov, claiming the winger got into a physical altercation with a 18-year-old girl in Latvia in 2011. Nazarov's interview said Panarin "sent her to the floor with several powerful blows," according to a translation provided to ESPN. Nazarov has previously criticized Panarin's outspoken beliefs toward Russian president Vladimir Putin.
"Artemi vehemently and unequivocally denies any and all allegations in this fabricated story," the Rangers said in a statement Monday.