Artemi Panarin is in his sixth season with the New York Rangers and has just hit another milestone in his already outstanding career. Wednesday night's matchup with the Buffalo Sabres marked Panarin's 700th NHL game in a career that deserves a look back.
Pre-Rangers Panarin
Panarin began his career with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2015, tallying 77 points in his first season (30 goals, 47 assists). To no one's surprise, Panarin would win the Calder Trophy, solidifying him as the best young player in the NHL, and giving a preview of the excellence that would follow in his next nine NHL seasons.
Artemi Panarin’s first NHL goal, assisted by Patrick Kane, vs the Rangers pic.twitter.com/L7GzgLB1cl
— seabass (@seabass91_) February 28, 2023
In total, Panarin has played for three NHL teams — the Chicago Blackhawks, the Columbus Blue Jackets, and now the New York Rangers. During this time, Panarin has never had a full regular season with less than 70 points, tallying more than 90 points in every full season played with New York. With all three teams, Panarin has made the postseason- often making it past the first round. At 33-years-old, Panarin has already had a more than successful NHL career.
Panarin As A Ranger
Since joining the New York Rangers in 2019, Panarin has been a point machine. The forward has helped the Blueshirts reach the playoffs in four of his five seasons with the club, contributing more than 20 goals and more than 60 assists in every full season he's played with the team.
During the Rangers two recent trips to the Eastern Conference Finals, Panarin has contributed 31 points in 36 games, reliably producing for the Rangers in big moments. Though the Rangers have been struggling as of late, Panarin has been on track for another 100+ point season for the Blueshirts, so far racking up 15 goals and 20 assists in 28 games.
Panarin's Legacy
Panarin surely has more hockey left to play in the NHL, but what he's already achieved through 700 games is staggering on its own. The "Breadman" has tallied 816 points, consisting of 280 goals and 536 assists. With multiple seasons likely left in the tank, it's entirely possible (and likely) that Panarin will join the exclusive 1,000 point club before he hangs up the skates for good.
Though, he's already a beloved Ranger, if Panarin can keep up his offensive output and contribute to digging the Rangers out of this early season hole they find themselves in, he can etch his name into a list of all-time Blueshirt heroes.