Six-time Stanley Cup winner Mark Messier has long admired Artemi Panarin, the Russian forward for the New York Rangers, for the way his style of play lifts everyone around him. Messier’s praise comes from the National Hockey League’s official channels and mirrors a broader belief within the sport that Panarin blends elite scoring ability with playmaking instincts that keep teammates engaged and opponents on their toes. Messier emphasizes that Panarin is not merely a scorer who fills the net; he also has the vision to organize plays, draw defenders, and create opportunities for his linemates when the pressure has built to a near unbearable level. In Messier’s view, Panarin can sometimes lean toward taking shots that improve his personal numbers, yet his overall talent remains indisputable and world-class, a combination that elevates the team’s performance on a nightly basis and helps shape a winning culture around the rink.
