In a revealing conversation on the YouTube channel Babushkina’s Respirator, Artemy Panarin, the Russian forward with the New York Rangers, described how he perceives the treatment of Russian players in the United States. He said that, on the whole, American teams and fans treat Russians with a sense of normalcy focused on performance and teamwork rather than politics. Yet the conversation also highlighted a personal thread: his enduring longing for Russia and the pull of his homeland, a sentiment shaped by years spent abroad and a career built far from his roots.
He elaborated that after nearly ten years away, the sense of longing for Russia intensifies. He says he often looks for the downsides in every situation, a habit that can color daily life with heaviness, especially when circumstances feel challenging or when he is seen as part of a minority far from home. He cautioned that his reflections may not tell the whole story, yet in his view the pressure comes with the territory of a life split between two countries. Still, he added a hopeful note: hockey acts as a lifeline, offering purpose, camaraderie, and a clear outlet when personal waters run murky.
His journey in North American hockey began in 2015, when the sport’s biggest league embraced him as a rising talent willing to adapt to a new culture, a faster pace, and a different style of play. The move marked a turning point in a career that would bring him to the Rangers’ history and into the conversation about international players in the league.
Panarin has worn the Rangers jersey since 2019, and over those seasons he established himself as a cornerstone of the offense. In the most recent regular campaign, he produced an impressive 120 points, with 49 goals and 71 assists, underscoring his playmaking ability and finishing touch. In the postseason, he contributed five goals and ten assists across 16 games, delivering clutch moments and sustained production when the stakes were highest. His chemistry with teammates and his ability to read the ice have made him a driving force behind the team’s offense.
During the 2023-24 postseason, the Rangers faced the Washington Capitals, led by captain Alex Ovechkin, with Panarin and netminder Igor Shesterkin in the lineup. New York pushed hard, but the Capitals were swept in four straight games, 0-4, ending the series without a goal from Ovechkin in the final stages. The dynamic showcased the Rangers’ depth and discipline, while Panarin continued to be a key driver of the attack, able to create chances even as the playoff spotlight intensified.
Looking ahead to the next chapter, the Rangers are slated to open the new season against the Pittsburgh Penguins, with the puck dropping on October 10. The matchup promises a fast, physical start as the club looks to translate last season’s hard-nosed performances into a season-opening win. Panarin’s role in the lineup is expected to be pivotal as he continues to drive play and contribute scoring touch.
Earlier in his public remarks Panarin drew attention after an interview in which he voiced criticism of the Russian government. The exchange sparked discussions about the responsibilities of players who train and live abroad while keeping close ties to their homeland. Panarin’s comments were interpreted in different ways by fans and pundits, illustrating how athletes can become interlocutors for broader political conversations while pursuing elite sport.