Rangers Roundup: Panarin met with Team Russia about Olympics, Othmann name OHL Player of the Week, and more

artemi panarin olympics
Jan 14, 2021; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers left wing Artemi Panarin (10) plays the puck against the New York Islanders at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Bennett/Pool Photo via USA TODAY Sports

Artemi Panarin wants to play for his country at the Olympics. In October, Panarin met with Team Russia to discuss that possibility. The conversations went far enough that even his role with the team was discussed.

“In October, I met with Alexei Zhamnov, Ilya Kovalchuk and Sergei Gonchar,” Panarin said. “They informed that you need to play not for yourself, but for your homeland. So that everyone, regardless of their position in the team, does their job one hundred percent. there must be a situation in which an NHL player comes thinking about individual statistics – goals and assists.”

RIA Novosti

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Panarin wants to play for Russia

The Rangers top forward came out of the gate a little slower than usual, but has been on a tear of late. In 20 games this season, he has registered 21 points. With 17 points in his last 13 contests, Panarin is heating up.

“Yes, winning the Olympics is the dream of every hockey player,” Panarin said to RIA Novosti. “I don’t want to burn out. I play better when I approach tournaments and matches with a cool head.”

artemi panarin
Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

Panarin loves his country and being Russian. Just ask Brad Marchand, who recently found out after making disparaging remarks towards Artemi.

The comments set Panarin off and he tossed his glove at Marchand in a heated exchange. Artemi was fined $5000 for the throw.

“It’s important to to let people know I didn’t start it,” Panarin explained per USA Today’s Vince Mercogliano. “I didn’t say good things about him, too, but I think when you touch country, it’s different. Probably all Russians would want to defend their country.”

Brennan Othmann named OHL Player of the Week

The New York Rangers selected 6-0, 175-pound forward Brennan Othmann 15th overall in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. He had an impressive camp for an 18 year-old and appears to have a bright future. He returned to the Flint Firebirds of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) where he scored 33 points (17 goals, 16 assists) last season.

Yesterday, the OHL announced Othmann as Player of the Week. He earned the honor scoring 1 goal and six assists in three games.

In 17 games with the Firebirds, he has 14 goals and 27 points.

In other prospect news, Brett Berard was named Hockey East Player of the week with six points in two games.

NHL Rumors Update

Evander Kane available at half salary retained, and what’s next for the Habs? Read about it here.

https://www.thedailygoalhorn.com/nhl-rumors-east-team-interested-in-evander-kane-sharks-willing-to-retain-salary-and-next-habs-gm/

Anthony Scultore is the founder of Forever Blueshirts and has been covering the New York Rangers and the NHL... More about Anthony Scultore

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