Rangers Notes: Panarin Injured, Kakko Scratched, Laviolette Safe, Trade Rumors Swirl
Rangers’ Playoff Hopes Take Another Hit as Panarin Injured, Trade Rumors Swirl
New York, NY – The New York Rangers received a double dose of bad news Thursday, as star forward Artemi Panarin was ruled out of tonight’s game against the St. Louis Blues with an upper-body injury and trade rumors surrounding the team continue to intensify.
Panarin, who leads the Rangers in scoring with 15 goals and 21 assists in 29 games, is considered day-to-day. The injury is a meaningful blow to a team already struggling to find consistency and clinging to playoff hopes.
“It’s obviously a big loss for us,” said Rangers coach Peter Laviolette. “Artemi is a dynamic player and a key part of our offense.”
the Rangers’ offensive struggles have been well-documented this season. Outside of Panarin, only three other forwards have surpassed the 20-point mark, highlighting the team’s reliance on thier star winger.
Adding to the uncertainty surrounding the team, forward Kaapo Kakko was a healthy scratch against the Blues, fueling speculation about his future in new York. The 23-year-old, the second overall pick in the 2019 NHL draft, has struggled to live up to expectations, managing just one goal and two assists in his last 12 games.
“There’s no doubt Kaapo has the potential to be a great player,” Laviolette said. “But right now, we need to see more consistency from him.”
The Rangers’ recent struggles have sparked rumors of a potential coaching change, but sources close to the team say Laviolette’s job is safe for now.The second-year coach led the Rangers to the Eastern Conference finals last season and is less than halfway through a three-year contract.
Though, the team’s willingness to listen to trade offers on nearly every player not named Igor shesterkin, Mika Zibanejad, Vincent Trocheck, Adam Fox, or Artemi Panarin (due to no-movement clauses) signals a potential shift in direction.
With the Rangers currently outside of a playoff spot and their offense sputtering,the next few weeks could be crucial in determining the team’s future.
Hope Fading Fast: Rangers Face Uncertain Future as Panarin Injured, Trade Rumors Marinate
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The New York Rangers’ hopes of a playoff run took a serious hit Thursday, as star forward Artemi Panarin was ruled out of the game against the St.Louis Blues with an upper-body injury. Adding fuel to the fire, trade rumors continue to swirl around the struggling team.
Panarin, the Rangers’ leading scorer with 15 goals and 21 assists, is considered day-to-day. His absence is a significant blow to an already inconsistent offense that relies heavily on the star winger.
“It’s obviously a big loss for us,” said coach Peter Laviolette. “Artemi is a dynamic player and a key part of our offense.”
Compounding the anxiety,forward Kaapo Kakko was scratched against the Blues,escalating speculation about his future in New York.The second overall pick in the 2019 draft has struggled this season,tallying only one goal and two assists in his last twelve games.
While rumors of a coaching change have surfaced,sources indicate that Laviolette’s job is safe,at least for now.
Though, the Rangers’ willingness to entertain trade offers on nearly all players not named Igor Shesterkin, Mika Zibanejad, Vincent trocheck, adam Fox, or Artemi Panarin (due to no-movement clauses) signifies a potential shift in direction for the franchise.
With the Rangers currently outside a playoff spot and their offense sputtering, the next few weeks could be critical in deciding their fate.
