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‘Deeply grateful ‘ Artemi Panarin pens heartfelt goodbye to Rangers, fans
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- ‘Deeply grateful ‘ Artemi Panarin pens heartfelt goodbye to Rangers, fans
Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Stating he is "deeply grateful to have had the opportunity" to play for the New York Rangers, Artemi Panarin shared a warm message via social media to the organization and its fans Tuesday.
"I wanted to express my genuine gratitude for the 7 years I've been playing as a New York Ranger!" Panarin wrote in a message shared on X by NHL Network analyst Kevin Weekes, who himself is a former Rangers goaltender.
The Rangers traded Panarin to the Los Angeles Kings on Feb. 4. The 34-year-old forward was in the final season of a seven-year, $81.5 million contract he signed with the Rangers on July 1, 2019, and the Blueshirts decided to cut ties with the pending unrestricted free agent instead of re-sign him as part of their stated "retool."
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Since Panarin had a no-movement clause in his contract, he controlled where the Rangers could trade him. And in the end, Panarin said he'd only accept a trade to the Kings . He then agreed to a two-year, $22 million contract with the Kings after they sent forward prospect Liam Greentree and up to two conditional draft picks to the Rangers.
"7 years ago I chose New York with my heart and I didn't chose (sic) wrong! New York will always be in my heart!" he shared in the post.
Panarin returns to Madison Square Garden with the Kings to play the Rangers on March 16. He referenced that in his message, as well.
"I'm a little nervous to think about coming back in March, but I'm looking forward and can't wait to see you all!"
Artemi Panarin thanks Rangers 'for letting me play for this legendary team at MSG'
Brad Penner-Imagn Images
You can bet that Panarin will be well received by the Garden Faithful. A fan favorite for his high-flying skill, consistent point production, and Rockettes-like celebratory leg kicks, Panarin is one of the most prolific scorers in Rangers history.
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In fact, his 1.26 points-per-game average is best in franchise history. Panarin had 607 points (205 goals, 402 assists) in 482 regular-season games with the Rangers, including a career-best 49 goals and 120 points in 2023-24. Those 120 points were second most in a single season for the Blueshirts, behind only Jaromir Jagr, who had 123 points in 2005-06.
Panarin ranks eighth all-time for the Rangers in assists, ninth in points, and 14th in goals. He led the Rangers in scoring each of his six full seasons on Broadway, and topped them with 57 points at the time of his trade to the Kings.
Simply, Panarin is the best free-agent signing all-time for the Rangers.
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"Thank you for letting me play for this legendary team at MSG, live in this amazing city," Panarin wrote.
Along with the heartfelt tone, Panarin displayed his playful side by teasingly touching on the defensive side of his game, which wasn't his strongest suit.
"I hope you will forever remember my blocked shots."
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