Rangers’ Artemi Panarin exits game vs. Devils with lower-body injury

New York Rangers' Artemi Panarin (10) controls the puck against the Carolina Hurricane during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Raleigh, N.C., Tuesday, March 12, 2024. (Karl B DeBlaker/AP Photo)

Another pre-season game, another key injury.

New York Rangers star Artemi Panarin exited Tuesday’s game against the New Jersey Devils with a lower-body injury in the first period. The team announced before the second period he would not return.

After the game, Rangers coach Peter Laviolette told reporters Panarin was being evaluated.

Panarin also exited a game against the New York Islanders last week with a lower-body injury, but returned to the ice after missing one day of practice.

The Russian was fourth in league scoring last year with 120 points (49 goals, 71 assists) in 82 games.

The Calder Trophy winner as the league’s top rookie with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2015-16, Panarin signed a seven-year, $81.5-million contract with the Rangers in the summer of 2019.

The 32-year-old is a two-time All-Star.

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