New York Rangers: Five reasons to be encouraged by the Panarin signing

NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 20: Artemi Panarin #9 of the Columbus Blue Jackets reacts after scoring his third goal of the game in the third period against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on March 20, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Jared Silber/NHLI via Getty Images) /

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Reason #5 – He really seems to want to be here

With Ranger free agents of the past, it always seemed to be it was all about the money. Free agents were mercenaries who signed with the team that paid the most. Once signed, they lived near the practice facility and ventured into the City just for games.

Even Kevin Shattenkirk, who grew up a Ranger fan, retreated to Westchester County where he grew up. Panarin seems to genuinely like New York City He told the media today “In the next couple of days I want to walk around the City and enjoy New York a bit.”

When was the last time we heard THAT from a free agent.

“I’m really happy. I can’t wait for the first game and it’s unfortunate that we have to wait so long until the season starts.”

Hear from new #NYR @9Artemi. #IsItOctoberYet pic.twitter.com/G27xJfbyR5
— New York Rangers (@NYRangers) July 2, 2019

Emotion in motion. light. Related Story

So there you have it. Five reasons that this signing seems a little different from other high profile free agents signings for the Rangers. And we didn’t talk about the goals he is going to score.

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