Two-time Stanley Cup champion Vyacheslav Fetisov spoke on the program Sports Express, sharing his thoughts on Artemi Panarin and the expectations for the forward in his upcoming season with the New York Rangers. The veteran defenseman offered a balanced assessment, highlighting Panarin’s skill, leadership, and the surrounding team dynamic as key ingredients for a productive year on the ice.
Fetisov stressed that Panarin has earned a significant amount of recognition, and he expressed optimism that the coming campaign would align with the player’s own goals. The commentary emphasized Panarin’s versatility, vision, and drive, noting that his teammates and coaches will rely on him to take on a leading role. Fetisov also underscored the importance of sustained performance and consistent impact in high-pressure moments, asserting that Panarin possesses the talent to deliver on those expectations while providing inspiration for the Rangers’ younger players.
During the game on December 4, local time, Panarin delivered a standout performance, tallying a hat-trick and powering the Rangers to a 6-5 victory over the San Jose Sharks. In addition to the scoring burst, he contributed an assist, illustrating his all-around offensive contribution and his impact on the match’s tempo. This sequence reinforced Panarin’s reputation for stepping up in pivotal moments and reaffirmed the confidence surrounding his role in the squad this season.
In the current season, Panarin has accumulated 35 points through 23 appearances, asserting himself as a primary driver of the Rangers’ offense. His line includes 15 goals and 20 assists, reflecting a balanced ability to finish plays and create opportunities for teammates. The production signals a continued alignment with the team’s offensive philosophy and the capacity to maintain pace as injuries, lines changes, and strategic adjustments shape the roster through the schedule’s progression.
Looking back at the previous campaign, the Rangers were eliminated in the first round after a seven-game series against the New Jersey Devils. Panarin played in all seven playoff games and recorded two assists, demonstrating durability and willingness to take on critical roles when the postseason demands peak. The experience provided a framework for refining timing, chemistry with linemates, and decision-making under intense playoff pressure as the lineup evolves for the new challenge ahead.
Across the 82-game regular season of 2022/23, Panarin totaled 29 goals and 63 assists, a stat line that underscored his sustained productivity and his rare ability to drive offense from multiple positions on the ice. His performance not only fueled the Rangers’ regular-season success but also shaped the team’s identity, setting a standard for offensive consistency and playmaking potential that coaches and teammates alike strive to harness as the season unfolds.