In a shocking turn of events for the New York Rangers, forward Artemi Panarin has been embroiled in serious allegations of sexual assault, which have now culminated in financial settlements with a former team employee. The revelations, first reported by Katie Strang of The Athletic, detail an incident that allegedly occurred during a Rangers road trip in December 2023.
The woman, who has not been publicly identified, claims that Panarin took her phone during a post-game gathering at a hotel where several players and staff members were present. According to her account, he told her that she could only retrieve her phone if she came to his hotel room. Once there, she alleges that Panarin pinned her down on the bed before she was able to push him off, retrieve her phone, and leave the room.
Despite the severity of the allegations, there is no record of the woman reporting the incident to law enforcement. It wasn't until three months later that she informed the team about the alleged assault, which coincided with an investigation into a separate issue concerning her sharing anti-anxiety medication with a player who had similar travel anxieties. Following her disclosure, she was placed on paid leave pending the outcome of the investigations.
In August 2024, the woman reached separate settlement agreements with both Panarin and Madison Square Garden Sports, the company that owns the Rangers. These agreements included non-disclosure and no admission of wrongdoing clauses. Upon reaching these settlements, she left the organization.
Adding to the controversy, just one day before these allegations came to light, Panarin was honored with the Rangers Good Guy Award for his openness with the media and was also named the team’s MVP for the 2024-25 season. This recognition comes amidst a tumultuous season for the Rangers, who failed to qualify for the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time in four years.
Panarin's performance on the ice has been noteworthy, leading the Rangers with 37 goals and 89 points heading into the season finale against the Tampa Bay Lightning on April 18, 2025. His contributions have been significant, especially considering his previous career highs of 49 goals and 120 points, which placed him in contention for the Hart Trophy as the league’s most valuable player last season.
This isn't the first time Panarin has faced serious allegations. In February 2021, he took a leave of absence from the Rangers after a Russian newspaper claimed he was involved in a physical altercation with a woman in Latvia. The Rangers denied those allegations, labeling them as intimidation tactics used against Panarin due to his outspoken criticisms of the Russian government.
The NHL has stated that they were aware of the situation and that the club retained an outside law firm to conduct an independent investigation. The league has since declared the matter closed, although questions remain about whether Panarin faced any disciplinary action from the team.
As the Rangers prepare to close out their season, the implications of these allegations loom large over the franchise and its star player. Fan reactions are uncertain as the team takes on the Lightning, with many wondering if Panarin will take the ice amid the unfolding controversy.
The emotional toll on the involved parties is palpable, and the fallout from this incident will likely resonate beyond the ice. The Rangers, once seen as a team on the rise, now face a critical moment in their history as they navigate the repercussions of these serious allegations against one of their star players.
Panarin, who has one season remaining on a lucrative seven-year, $81.5 million contract, is now at a crossroads in his career. The public and media scrutiny surrounding him is expected to intensify as details continue to emerge.
As this story develops, the focus will remain on how the Rangers and Panarin respond to these allegations and what it means for the future of the franchise. The organization has a lot to consider as they move forward, especially with the implications of these settlements and the reputational damage that could follow.
