Artemi Panarin’s availability for the New York Rangers’ Friday night matchup against the Dallas Stars will be a game-time decision, as confirmed by head coach Peter Laviolette. Meanwhile, forward Matt Rempe is set to be in the lineup.
Panarin, who has been sidelined with an upper-body injury, mentioned after the morning skate at American Airlines Center that he is feeling better. He and the team’s trainers will decide closer to game time whether he will suit up. Panarin, the Rangers’ leading scorer with 36 points (15 goals, 21 assists), humorously remarked that he dislikes sitting out games, joking about having “too many hot dogs” while watching from the press box.
The Rangers have struggled without Panarin, dropping their last two games—a 3-2 loss to the St. Louis Blues on Sunday and a 2-0 shutout against the Nashville Predators, the NHL’s lowest-ranked team at the time, on Tuesday.
Jimmy Vesey skated with the extras during the morning session and is expected to be a healthy scratch for the game.
Rempe eager to show he’s improved after time in AHL
Matt Rempe was recalled from the Hartford Wolf Pack of the AHL following the Rangers’ trade of Kaapo Kakko to the Seattle Kraken on Wednesday. In four NHL games this season, Rempe has yet to record a point, while he has contributed five points (three goals, two assists) in 18 AHL games.
The 6-foot-9 forward adds a physical presence the Rangers have lacked during a challenging 3-11-0 stretch, which has dropped them to 15-15-1 after starting the season 12-4-1. After the morning skate, Rempe emphasized his focus on bringing energy, speed, and physicality, stating, “I want to be myself, bring a lot of energy, bring speed, physicality — just play my game. Go have fun, play hard, get under the other team’s skin. Try to be a menace. Be good.”
Rempe’s stint in Hartford has been geared toward improving his skating and passing to complement his physical style. He noted that playing significant minutes in various situations, including penalty kills, power plays, and defensive 6-on-5 scenarios, has helped his development.
Coach Peter Laviolette expressed satisfaction with Rempe’s progress in Hartford, stating, “He’s playing really well down there. Just being effective at what he’s doing. For us, I think just a change sometimes is good. What we’re doing needs to change, so you try different pieces.”
Additionally, the Rangers will debut defenseman Will Borgen, acquired in the Kakko trade, alongside Braden Schneider, who shifts to the left side. Zac Jones will be a healthy scratch following recent struggles. The Rangers’ defensive depth remains tested, with K’Andre Miller still on injured reserve due to an upper-body injury. While Miller has resumed skating in New York, there’s no timeline for his return.
The Rangers face the Dallas Stars before hosting the Carolina Hurricanes on Sunday and visiting the New Jersey Devils on Monday to wrap up their pre-Christmas schedule.
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