October 7, 2024, 12:54 PM
New York Rangers fans can breathe a sigh of relief, as the team’s leading scorer from last season appears to be ready for opening night.
Artemi Panarin, who has been dealing with a lower-body injury, returned to practice on Monday. Afterwards, he told The Athletic’s Peter Baugh that he feels good and expects to play in the Rangers’ regular-season opener against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Wednesday.
Panarin was injured last week in a pre-season game against the Devils, the second time this pre-season he was knocked out a game early due to a lower-body injury.
Last season, Panarin finished fifth in Hart Trophy voting after leading the Rangers in scoring with 120 points and finishing second on the team with 49 goals.