The New York Rangers opted to use star forward Artemi Panarin in two preseason games, but he had to exit both due to different injuries. Coming off his best regular season in the NHL, Panarin faced challenges during training camp and the preseason. However, he returned to practice on Monday, just in time for Wednesday’s season opener against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Rangers head coach Peter Laviolette expressed optimism about Panarin’s availability for the opener while also leaving the possibility of his absence open. “He made it through practice today without any issues,” Laviolette said, according to USA Today’s Vince Mercogliano. “That’s a positive.”
Panarin, however, put an end to any questions or speculation regarding his availability, regardless of whether Laviolette preferred him to be more reserved.
Panarin said he’s good to go for Wednesday. He had to come back and reclaim his PP1 spot from Laf. “He looked terrible.” 😂 #NYR
— Vince Z. Mercogliano (@vzmercogliano) October 7, 2024
“I feel good right now,” Panarin stated. “I hope I’m good to go.” The star forward had missed the previous five days due to a lower-body injury, leaving his status for Wednesday uncertain. After participating in a full practice with his usual linemates on the top forward line—Vincent Trocheck in the center and Alexis Lafreniere on the right—Panarin appears set to play against the Penguins on Wednesday. He had exited last week’s preseason game against the New Jersey Devils as a precaution after just four shifts and did not play in the preseason finale against the New York Islanders. Meanwhile, the Rangers face additional uncertainty with Ryan Lindgren and Jimmy Vesey, as the team officially placed both on injured reserve (IR) to begin the season.
Lindgren will remain on IR following a preseason fight with Scott Mayfield, while Vesey has been placed on long-term injured reserve (LTIR) due to a lower-body injury sustained during practice. Vesey is expected to miss at least 10 games, while Lindgren continues to skate alone as he works toward a return.
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