A second-round pick (No. 54 overall) by the Rangers in the 2006 NHL Draft, Anisimov played 13 seasons and 771 games in the NHL. He scored 180 goals and totaled 376 points, playing for the Rangers, Columbus Blue Jackets, Chicago Blackhawks and Ottawa Senators.

Anisimov had a brief comeback with the Hartford Wolf Pack in the American Hockey League last season, but was released in February after scoring just one goal and four points in 18 games.

“I gave hockey my all as a player, and decided to hang up the skates,” Anisimov said in a post on Instagram. “I have been blessed to have a wonderful career, playing alongside many hockey legends on the biggest hockey stages, making a lot of good friends along the way. I never took that experience for granted.”

Anisimov had 40 or more points three times in his career, including in 2010-11 with the Rangers, when he totaled 44 points (18 goals, 26 assists). He had 108 points (46 goals, 62 assists) in 244 games with the Rangers.

He helped the Rangers reach the Eastern Conference Final in 2011-12, when they lost in six games to the New Jersey Devils. Anisimov had 36 points (16 goals, 20 assists) that season and added 10 points (three goals, seven assists) in 20 Stanley Cup Playoff games.

Related: Stanley Cup or bust: Forever Blueshirts staff predictions for Rangers in 2024-25

Artem Anisimov played 771 NHL games with Rangers, 3 other teams

The Rangers included Anisimov as part of the package to acquire Rick Nash from the Blue Jackets during the summer of 2012. He played three seasons with Columbus and then four with the Blackhawks.

With Chicago, he posted consecutive 40+-point seasons, including an NHL career-high 45 points (22 goals, 23 assists) in 2016-17. He scored 20 or more goals three straight seasons with the Blackhawks.

He last played in the NHL with the Senators in 2020-21.

Anisimov was also a constant in team Russia’s IIHF lineup, playing in six world championships. He earned a gold medal in 2014, silver in 2010 and 2015, and bronze in 2019. He also played in the 2014 Sochi Olympics, finishing in fifth place, and played in the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.

Originally taken by the Rangers in the second-round of the 2006 draft, Anisimov scored 46 goals and 62 assists for 108 points in 244 games between 2008 through 2012. He was eventually traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2012 as part of a package to acquire Rick Nash.

Related: Rick Nash trade tree

Hartford Wolf Pack Weekly: Artem Anisimov PTO

Artem Anisimov returns to Hartford

Rangers fans remember “Arty the one man party” in his time with the organization between 2007 – 2012. The center joined the Wolf Pack through a PTO, announced by club on January 2nd.

The veteran is known for his offensive prowess, especially in the AHL. Anisimov spent last season with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms and did not miss a beat. In 55 games, the veteran recorded 19 goals and 17 assists for 36 points. Considering his age, the center continues to provide value and will help with Hartford’s depth.

While this was addressed during the off-season, the Wolf Pack is lacking without Riley Nash (injury) and Jonny Brodzinski (call up). In addition, Hartford’s offensive game slowed down in recent weeks, which contributed to their recent 5-game losing streak.

As a center, Anisimov is anticipated to replace Jonny Brodzinski’s void for production. The Rangers are being proactive, which is great to see as they have eyes and ears on Hartford. This much needed move will help strengthen Hartford, especially with key cogs out on multiple fronts, including Brennan Othmann’s call up on Wednesday.

Riley Nash’s injury deals blow to Pack

Nash, 34, has been pivotal to Hartford’s lineup, especially after call-ups to the Rangers. He was reliable for production, especially after the Wolf Pack lost Brodzinski to the big club, Nash produced points on a near nightly basis. In 23 games played, Nash notched 9 goals and 13 assists for 22 points. He was a key factor on the power play as well.

Furthermore, Nash brings leadership to the locker room and has helped guide prospects in various situations. Unfortunately, Nash suffered a lower body injury at the end of Hartford’s game against Bridgeport on December 22nd. During a draw, there was a battle and Nash was bumped in a pile of players coming away hurting.

As a result, Hartford will lose Nash for a bit of time as he is listed as week-to-week. The already depleted forward group will have to find new ways to produce offense and will look to Anisimov to help in that department.

Wolf Pack look to start 2024 strong

A season high 5-game losing streak (0-3-2) was snapped approaching the second half of the 2023-24 journey. Hartford collected two out of four points to close out December and will begin 2024 on a 4 game road-trip. Divisional battles against Bridgeport, Hershey, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, and Lehigh Valley are all on tap with the stakes high for Hartford as the club lost their cushion in the competitive Atlantic Division.

Through 28 games, the Rangers AHL affiliate is 16-7-5 for 37 points. That ranks the Blueshirts of Tomorrow 3rd in the Atlantic Division, 4th in the Eastern Conference, and 7th in the American Hockey League.

Brett Berard excellent rookie campaign

In his first season in the professional ranks, Rangers prospect Brett Berard continues his growth. Offensively, the youngster has shown he can put the puck on net continually and generate strong opportunities for himself and his linemates. Through 28 games, Berard has picked up 8 goals and 7 assists for 15 points.

NO QUIT FROM BEEBS 😤 pic.twitter.com/rjNAYvWn6W

— Hartford Wolf Pack (@HWPHockey) December 31, 2023

Jake Leschyshyn Returns From Lengthy Injury

The 24-year old center returned to action on December 27th against Springfield after being held out of the lineup from an injury since November 10th. Despite missing a month, Leschyshyn found his grove early on and produced one assist in his second game back.

Prior to his injury, the forward had a slow start to the season. This resulted in Leschyshyn getting scratched for a couple of games in a very competitive lineup. Now, the center will have an opportunity to jumpstart his season and get playing time from Hartford’s depleted roster.

Leschyshyn was a reliable contributor last season and the Pack need his contributions now more than ever. Keep an eye him, as he could be a potential key cog as Hartford chugs along the second half of the season.

Depth Matters: Cristiano DiGiacinto Impressive In Stint

A late free agency signing over the summer, 27-year old forward Cristiano DiGiacinto was given an opportunity to return to Hartford on two occasions in a month. Through three games, DiGiacinto impressed Hartford’s coaching staff and management.

A hard nosed player, the experienced forward plays with an edge, grit, and is not afraid to drop the gloves. This is DiGiacinto’s third season with Hartford after playing well during the preseason in 2021.

DiGiacinto secured Hartford’s game winning goal on Saturday to snap the 5-game losing streak. The forward was at the right spot at the right time, in front of Bridgeport’s goaltender, screening him and deflecting the puck was in. He’s just another example of the solid depth in the organization, as they’ve had the ability to call up players from the ECHL to make an impact.

it takes everyone 👏 pic.twitter.com/in5Le8NnvC

— Hartford Wolf Pack (@HWPHockey) December 31, 2023

Hartford Wolf Pack Schedule

Thursday, January 4th vs Bridgeport Islanders (New York) at 7pm, Total Mortgage Arena

• This is the 4th of 10 meetings in the season series. Hartford is 2-1 against the Islanders thus far. The 5th meeting will on January 20th in Bridgeport.
• Entering the week, the Islanders are 9-18-2 for 20 points. That ranks the group 8th in the Atlantic Division, 15th in the Eastern Conference, and 32nd in the league. The Islanders are 3-6-1 in their last 10 outings.
• Islanders prospect Ruslan Iskhakov leads the club in points with 24. Through 29 games, Iskhakov recorded 10 goals and 14 assists. Defenseman Dennis Cholowski is second in points with 18. Through 29 games, Cholowksi recorded 4 goals and 14 assists.
• Listen – Mixlr. Watch – AHLTV.

Saturday, January 6th vs Hershey Bears (Washington) at 7pm, Giant Center

• This is the 1st of 4 meetings in the season series. Last season, Hartford dropped the regular season series with a record of 2-3-0-1. In addition, the Wolf Pack were swept by the Bears in the 2023 Calder Cup Playoffs, 3-0. Hershey won the Calder Cup in 2023.
• Entering the week, Hershey is 1st in the Atlantic Division, Eastern Conference, and league. The Bears are off to a strong start, compiling a record of 27-6. The Bears are on a 8 game winning streak and are 9-1 in their last 10 games. Hershey has 54 points. In the division, the Bears have a 16 point gap from 1st to 2nd.
• Veteran Mike Sgarbossa leads the Bears in points with 32. Through 32 games, Sgarbossa recorded 6 goals and 26 assists. He is ranked 4th in the AHL for production. Capitals prospect Ethen Frank is second for points on the roster with 27. Through 33 games, Frank has 14 goals and 13 assists. He is ranked 16th in the AHL for production.
• Listen – Mixlr. Watch – AHLTV.

Sunday, January 7th vs Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (Pittsburgh) at 3:05pm, Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza

• This is the of 3rd of 6 meetings in the season series. Hartford is 1-1 against Wilkes-Barre/Scranton thus far. The 4th meeting will be on January 24th.
• Entering the week, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton is 16-12-3 for 35 points. That ranks the group 5th in the Atlantic Division and 7th in the Eastern Conference. The Penguins are 6-4 in their last 10 games.
• Forward Rem Pitlick leads the Penguins in points with 23. Through 31 games, Pitlick secured 8 goals and 15 assists. Ty Smith is second for points with 22. Through 27 games, the defenseman recorded 4 goals and 18 assists.
• Listen – Mixlr. Watch – AHLTV.

Games Down The Road…

Friday, January 12th vs Lehigh Valley Phantoms (Philadelphia) at 7:05pm, PPL Center

Saturday, January 13th vs Providence Bruins (Boston) at 7:30pm, XL Center

With all the talk about Adam Fox and Kaapo Kakko, it seems like Vitali Kravtsov’s arrival has been overshadowed a bit. But the 19-year-old winger has the talent to take the league by storm this upcoming season. On May 21st, the ninth overall pick in the 2018 draft left Vladivostok and said goodbye to his father to travel to North America and settle in. His contract will start on July 1st, and Kravtsov is determined to make the most of his first season in New York.

He finished the KHL season with 21 points, despite his team only scoring 79 goals in the games he played in. That resulted in a goal contribution of 26.58%, which is higher than Eeli Tolvanen, Evgeni Kuznetsov, Vladimir Tarasenko, Artemi Panarin and Kirill Kaprizov in their D+1 season. With the (likely) addition of Kaapo Kakko in this month’s NHL Entry Draft, the Rangers would be adding two dynamic scoring wingers to the team. It will be interesting to see where Kravtsov slots in and who his linemates will be early in the season.

Since the foundation of the Russian Super League (KHL’s predecessor) in 1999, the New York Rangers have drafted nine players from Russia. Artem Anisimov, who was drafted in 2006, came over a year later and spent two full seasons in Hartford before being given a chance with the Rangers. Evgeni Grachev who was drafted two years after Anisimov, played in the OHL for a year before making his way to Hartford. He ended up playing just 11 games for the Blueshirts. It’s safe to say that Vitali Kravtsov is better than those two were at the same age. With the way he has played, not only for Traktor Chelyabinsk but also for the Russian U20 team, Kravtsov’s name was topping Craig Button’s list of NHL affiliated prospects this January. Kravtsov played both left wing and right wing this past season and I looked at his production for both positions. Kravtsov can do damage regardless of where he is positioned.

The future is bright and this summer will be one of the most exciting ones for Ranger fans. Vitali Kravtsov is one of the many reasons Ranger fans should be excited for this coming season.

As Henrik Lundqvist and fellow Rangers teammate Mats Zuccarello gear up for Zuccarello’s charity all-star game in his native Norway, both players spoke with Roy Kvatningen of Nitten about the upcoming season and more.

When asked about his state of mind heading into training camp, Lundqvist said that he is “pumped for a new season.” He added that he isn’t sure what the team’s goals will be coming into the season, but that he knows the group will figure it out.

During their interview, both players discuss how the, now infamous, letter affected each of them. Henrik said that it was not an easy thing for him to hear. “It was pretty tough, to be honest when we decided to rebuild instead of trying to go for it. It was a tough end to the season. The first half felt good, but there were a few months where I had to work on the mental challenge of adjusting to the new situation.”

Zuccarello added a similar sentiment to that of his longtime goaltender: “When you get such a letter, it’s clear that you get frustrated and want to go away.” However, those frustrations that Zuccarello is alluding to aren’t taking away from his excitement and willingness to stay with the Rangers. “Of course, I want to be here. I feel I can be a good player and a good teammate if they are going to rebuild. Whether it takes one, two or three years, I feel I can be a good player to have in that process.”

Lundqvist was asked about his impressions of new head coach David Quinn and he had very positive things to say about the first encounter with his new bench boss. “I got a very positive first impression. It was a really good talk. We spoke about the future, about what’s been going on, and I got a good feel for what kind of person the new coach is. Of course, it will be easier to get to know him once the pre-season starts, but it was a very positive meeting.”

Note: For Zuccarello’s comments on David Quinn, click here.

Lundqvist has repeatedly stated his commitment to finishing out his career with the Rangers, which we have covered here on Forever Blueshirts, and he reaffirmed that statement when speaking to Nitten. “Yeah, I made that decision when I signed my contract four years ago, If I get the opportunity, I’d love to play my whole career with one club. My goal is to finish my career with the Rangers. Few players ever get that opportunity. The question is, of course, if that feeling is mutual. But I really, really enjoy being a Ranger. This club has treated me exceptionally well.”

Finally, Lundqvist talked about all of the young guys coming into the locker room and how the veterans can help bring the team together. “I hope we can set a standard where the young players know what’s expected of them. It’s important to implement this at the beginning of the season. Mats Zuccarello and I have been here a long time and will be an important part of this club for a long time, and we’ll be an important part of the mix between younger and older players.”

Lundqvist and Zuccarello are both excited as we inch closer and closer towards training camp and the start of the 2018-19 season. As this is being written, both players are focused on raising money for children around the globe at the Henke & Zucca Summer Classic taking place on Saturday, along with former Rangers Derick Brassard, Carl Hagelin, Antti Raanta, Ryan McDonagh, and Artem Anisimov.

Editor’s Note: All translations courtesy of article’s author Roy Kvatningen. If you can read Norwegian, you can read the original article here.

Columbus Blue Jackets

Brandon Dubinsky

With the 60th overall pick of the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, the Rangers selected Alaska native Brandon Dubinsky. In his second season, with the Wolfpack, Dubinsky posted 43 points (21G, 22A) in 71 games. He also had a whopping 115 penalty minutes. The next season, he played six games with the Rangers only registering two penalty minutes. The season after, he played all 82 games with the Rangers netting 40 points. Since the 2012 trade, his numbers have stayed around the same compared to his Ranger years.

Artem Anisimov

In 2006, the Rangers drafted Artem Anisimov 54th overall. In his first two seasons with the Pack, Anisimov combined for 124 points, 53 of which were goals. The 6’4″ centerman, in three seasons with the Rangers, had 108 points. Similar to Dubinsky, Artem’s numbers have stayed around the same. His point average with the Rangers was 36, after the trade, his average point total is 34.2. The Rangers have been trying to acquire another centerman, and I would love to have Artem back. He is 29 years old and is currently playing on the cap burdened Blackhawks. The Hawks are over the cap and if they were to move Artem, they would gain around 4.55 million in cap space.

Tim Erixon

Tim Erixon, the 23rd overall pick of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, never turned into the defenseman the Rangers thought he would be. He spent the last two seasons in the AHL and in 92 NHL games, he has 14 points.

2013 First Round Pick

The Rangers also traded their 2013 first round pick which Columbus used to select Kerby Rychel. The 22-year-old was drafted 19th overall and is now with the Toronto Marlies. In 37 NHL games, Rychel had 12 points.

New York Rangers

Steven Delisle

There isn’t much to say about Delisle. He was drafted 107th overall in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. He is a big defender. He played well in the QMJHL but never made it to the NHL. He spent last season in the ECHL.

Rick Nash

Rick Nash was the first overall pick of the 2002 NHL Entry. In his first two seasons in the OHL, Rick teared it up with 138 points in 112 games. Drafted by the Blue Jackets, Rick put up all-star numbers every year with Columbus. In nine seasons with the Blue Jackets, Nash scored 289 goals and 258 assists for 547 points, and won the Rocket Richard trophy for the most goals in the NHL, in his sophomore season.

Since coming to New York, Nash has had injury issues in all but one season. In that season, Rick scored 42 goals. In five seasons with the Rangers, Nash hasn’t quite hit the points pace he had with the Jackets. He did have a larger role in Columbus but his point totals with the Rangers are not worth the $7.8 million he commands, the second largest contract on the Rangers behind Henrik Lundqvist.

This is his last season under contract with the Rangers, after that, he becomes a UFA. If Nash wants to play on Broadway next season, he will have to take a pay cut, which is why I do not see him re-signing with the Rangers. In order for the Rangers to get anything for him, I think the Rangers would have to trade him at the deadline to a team who really wants to make a playoff push. The only problem is, Rick is essential to a Ranger team that wants to make a playoff push themselves, which is why the Rangers will likely get nothing for him. Unfortunately, the Rangers will not really be able to use the cap space to sign another player because they will have ten free agents they have to deal with, most notably J.T. Miller, Kevin Hayes, and Brady Skjei. This is Rick’s season to prove what he is worth so that he can command millions on the free-agent market.

Who won this trade? 

The Players Columbus gained surpass the production of Rick Nash. However, Nash is easily New York’s best two-way player. Without Nash, New York is not as scary.

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Hartford Wolf Pack (Flickr)

Greetings readers,

My name is Ricky and I look forward to providing phenomenal coverage for the New York Rangers’ American Hockey League affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack. I have been a season ticket holder for the club since 2010. Prior to that, I attended games throughout my childhood. I have seen Ryan Callahan, Mats Zuccarello, Dan Girardi, Pierre-Alexandre Parenteau, Artem Anisimov, and many others develop in Hartford. The list is lengthy on who has made it to the big leagues. I have seen some of the worst and best moments in franchise history, such as the Pack reaching the Eastern Conference Finals in the 2014-15 season to the worst, a defeat of 10-2 against the Springfield Falcons (now Tuscon Road Runners). I am currently a college student at the University of Connecticut and attend Hockey East matches to watch the Huskies.

Looking Back

Last year featured the worst season statistically in franchise history. The Pack ranked last in the league, registering a franchise low of 54 points in 76 games. They finished the season losing five straight, with a record of 24-46-4-2. The standings in the American Hockey League are ranked by point percentage due to the unbalanced schedule as the Pacific division plays 68 games. Hartford finished with a .355 point percentage.

Hartford Wolf Pack (Flickr)

This group was tough to watch on a daily basis. They had not much going for them, with the majority of the players struggling. The veterans brought in were not effective.  The prospects were lost and could not handle certain situations well. The coaching staff at the time were also partly to blame, along with the general manager. The prospect who struggled the most, to me, was John Gilmour. He came to the team as a rookie from Providence College in Hockey East.  He had a plus-minus of -39, despite registering 25 points (6 goals, 19 assists). His defensive skills were not ready for the league. However, the coaching staff allowed him to play for the experience. Unfortunately, he struggled, nightly. John Gilmour does have potential, but he is not ready yet for Hartford. I felt that he needed some seasoning in Greenville (ECHL). He does have offensive upside to his game. The veterans on defense weren’t able to help him much, which didn’t help his nightly struggles.

Hartford Wolf Pack (Flickr)

The prospect that I enjoyed watching develop this year was Matt Carey. I was surprised how well he did throughout his fourth season as a pro. He registered 29 points (21 goals, 8 assists), and had a physical presence that came from being “under the wing” of Tanner Glass. The veteran presence of Tanner Glass was helpful for Matt Carey. He produced quality offense while being a gritty player, and can drop the gloves when needed. He has some offensive upside and looks solid defensively. I feel that next season he will become better.

Looking Ahead

While there are plenty of moving pieces, I believe Hartford will be a better club next year. The core prospects are returning, hopefully learning from their past mistakes. Any newly acquired veterans should make a greater impact than the ones from the prior season. In addition to the roster changes, there will be a breath of fresh air on the bench. Keith McCambridge is a promising coach who will challenge and develop the group well. He holds everyone accountable with high expectations. He also enjoys doing one on one lessons with prospects who need extra help in the areas they’re struggling with. Chris Drury will also help bring in a winning culture to the Wolf Pack. These changes were due and I am pleased with them. The quality of the roster is expected to be better.

In what many have as the most important game of the year, the Rangers head into Columbus looking to distance themselves from the Blue Jackets, as the season is coming to a wild finish.

Rick Nash Home Coming
Rick Nash missed the first trip to Columbus due to a concussion earlier in the season, as a mix of cheers and boos are to be expected to the man coming home. As we all know a trade request out of Columbus was made during the 2011 trade deadline, expressing Nash’s desire to move away from the Blue Jackets.

It took until the summer for the trade to finally happen, which shipped Brandon Dubinsky, Artem Anisimov and Tim Erixon and a couple draft picks to Columbus, and since then every Blue Jackets fan has fallen in love with the Rangers duo.

Nash on the other hand has seen some backlash from Ranger fans who expect him to score every time he touches the puck, but it has been fun seeing some of those goals he has produced for the Rangers.

High Voltage
The Rangers are looking to turn it up into high gear, as they are headed into the final stretch. Scoreboard watching will become key during this time of the year as every team surrounding the Rangers is trying to make a push of their own. The Rangers have to continue to look forward and take everything game by game.

They cannot look ahead, and most importantly they cannot fall behind.

FullTilt Forecast
You want to talk about a crazy game? You want to talk about a game that has so much meaning? Look no further. The Rangers and Blue Jackets will have playoff atmosphere, and playoff implications. But it comes down to who wants it more? Which is why the more seasoned Rangers team will edge the Blue Jackets 2-1. This will be a hard fought game, could even reach overtime, but the Blueshirts will come out victorious.

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