He is their prized summer signing, but he couldn’t finish the first preseason game of the New York Rangers on Wednesday night.
That’s right: Artemi Panarin, who scored a goal in 12 minutes of playing time against the New Jersey Devils on Wednesday, left the game with a groin and did not return to action.
The move could have been made by precaution, seeing that Panarin will be needed for the start of the 2019-20 season, however, it is normal for management and fans to worry about his condition.
“Just a mild groin strain, more precautionary than anything,” head coach David Quinn said after the contest. “Should be fine.”
The 27-year-old signed a seven-year, $81.5 million deal with the Rangers on July 1 as the most coveted free agent on the market. He had a career season with the Columbus Blue Jackets last year, scoring 28 goals and 59 assists over 79 games.
Panarin has put up a total of 116 goals and 204 assists over 322 career games with the Chicago Blackhawks and Blue Jackets. The Rangers are hoping to get his offensive talents ready - and healthy - for the season, which kicks off in just two weeks.