Artemi Panarin #10 of the New York Rangers (Photo by Jana Chytilova/Freestyle Photography/Getty Images)
It’s been only a few weeks since Artemi Panarin took his indefinite leave of absence from the New York Rangers, following the release of a Russian hit piece, claiming that Panarin assaulted an 18-year old woman back in 2011 during his time in the KHL. Panarin’s agent, and the New York Rangers organization denied all allegations, calling the reports “fabricated,” and an “intimidation tactic.”
How Panarin ended up here
Support from Panarin’s agent, the team, and the fans are to be expected; but when Panarin’s former KHL teammates who were present during the alleged assault speak out and call the story fake, that’s when it becomes big news.