Artemi Panarin's new haircut has him looking like Mr. Clean.

New York Rangers forward Artemi Panarin has shocked fans with a brand new look that is a drastic change from what you have been used to seeing from the talented Russian forward.

A photograph of Panarin has begun to make the rounds on social media after he was photographed alongside a fan in what was described as a return to his homeland of Korkino. The photo is pretty typical of what you would expect from a fan photograph, with the player locked arm in arm with the fan for the picture, but it is the new look that Panarin is sporting in the photo that has made it go viral.

Gone is the long and messy hair that Panarin has become known for, with it often jutting out of his helmet in comical fashion, and instead he has replaced that with a completely clean shaven look. In fact Panarin's head is so smooth that I have to wonder if he isn't auditioning to become the next Mr. Clean.

If you've ever played hockey with long hair you know how uncomfortable it can be under a helmet, especially for an extended period of time. This makes me wonder if Panarin's decision to shave his head was a practical one, or if he merely felt it was time for a new look.