Jan 19, 2021; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers left wing Artemi Panarin (10) honors the NHLs first Black player Willie O'Ree with a commemorative helmet sticker prior to a game against the New Jersey Devils at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Bennett/Pool Photos-USA TODAY Sports
Artemi Panarin is taking a leave of absence per Larry Brooks of the NY Post. According to Brooks’ reporting Panarin has been involved in a political hit piece after showing support to Vladimir Putin’s political opponent, Alexi Navalany.
Breaking news: Panarin is taking a leave of absence from NYR in aftermath of political hit piece against him from Russia alleging that he beat up an 18-year-old girl in Russia in 2011.
Retribution was feared after Panarin's Instagram post on 1/21 in support of opposition leader Alexi Navalny with caption "Freedom for Navalny." Panarin, who has family in Russia, has been outspoken against Putin.
