Artemi Panarin has not had an easy NHL career, going from an undrafted kid to one of the NHL's most productive players. Sprinkle in a Calder Trophy, a trade from Chicago, and a couple run-ins with the Russian government, and a wild story is painted.
In 2021-22, Panarin quietly totaled 96 points in 75 games, along with another 16 in 22 playoff matches. He was New York's most effective performer all season long, but it felt like he was invisible at times.
This tidbit from USA Today's Vince Mercogliano could explain why.
Panarin admits he lost his confidence and threw the puck away too much last season. Frankly, that adds up with the numbers.
According to
MoneyPuck, 48 of Panarin's 96 points (11th in the NHL) came on the powerplay; put another way, the Russian scored 48 even-strength points in 75 games, which is less than ideal for the New York Rangers, tied for 23rd in the NHL. Fortunately, the Rangers' powerplay was lights out, ranking fourth in the NHL last year.
Still, Panarin knows he needs to control the game more at even-strength if he wants to maximize his utility to his team, and his comments partially explain his inconsistencies last season.
If
Artemi Panarin is able to jack up his 5v5 production while maintaining his strong powerplay output, he could challenge
Connor McDavid for the Art Ross Trophy. Although, a betting man would still take the Canadian.
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