In the wake of a political hit Peace published in Russia on Monday, which prompted the Rangers to distance Artemi Panarin from the team, the Blueshirts as an organization are fiercely supporting their star player.
Of post Larry Brooks first reported The top scorer for the Rangers, Panarin, will be taking a leave of absence from hockey, as his former Vitaz head coach Andrei Nazarov told a Russian media outlet that an 18-year-old girl was attacked by an ex-pioneer of the Moscow area club in Riga in 2011. , Latvia after a road game.
Nazarov, a well-known supporter of Russian leader Vladimir Putin, has repeatedly publicly criticized Panerin for his outspoken beliefs about Putin’s rule.
“Artemi has denied and disproportionately denied all allegations of any kind in this fabricated story,” the Rangers said in a statement.
Since signing with the Rangers in July 2019, Ryan Strom, who has often played on the same line with Panarin, said it was a busy and emotional morning at the team’s practice facility in Tarrytown, N.Y. He said the team was just Was also processing the situation. Adding that they all intend to support Panarin in some way.
“We see him closing doors and personalities every day and the way he carries himself and his character and his attitude,” Strom said on Monday. “He’s just an incredible person around. I think for us, just give him this time, give him space and whatever the timeline, whatever the timeline, we’ll welcome him with open arms.
Head coach David Quinn pointed to the Rangers’ statement – which called the Russian article an explicit “intimidating tactic” with “Hill” Panarin – when questioned about the situation. He said the team talked about Panarin on Monday morning, who proceeded to perform a “difficult exercise” for an indefinite period before going out.
“It transcends hockey,” Quinn said, adding that he was proud of the way his players handled difficult situations. “We are here to support him. We are here as a team and these people take care of each other on the ice. “
The 29-year-old Korkino, Russia native has publicly opposed Putin over the years and as recently as last month. Panarin announced his endorsement of anti-Russian leader Aleksei Navalny – a high-profile critic of Putin on Instagram last month ahead of planned protests in his homeland.
It is likely that Panarin is concerned for the safety and wellbeing of his family who still live in Russia.
“Before these people are professional athletes, they are humans,” Quinn said. “Just because they play a professional sport does not mean that they are away from life’s problems and life’s difficulties. I think sometimes people take a look at that.”
During Kappo Kakko’s first brief stint on the COAID-19 protocol list, which was due to a false positive, Quinn was quick to say that he hoped to return to the lineup of the 2019 second-overall Sooners.
When asked about Kakko’s current position on Monday, the third-year coach did not seem to have any timeline for the 20-year-old winger’s return from his current designation to the COVID-19 protocol list.
“He’s doing fine,” he said. “I wish I could give you a better answer, but I’m not sure when he is going to be able to come back.”
With Philip Chytil (upper body injury) reaching the four week mark of his four to six week injury time, Quinn said the 21-year-old center was expected to start skating again soon.
“He’s making progress,” Quinn said. “He is going to start skating again soon. We are hoping to get her back as soon as possible. “
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