When the New York Rangers signed Artemi Panarin, they were getting a career point a game player who is adept at setting up his teammates for goals. While Panarin has averaged 29 goals per year in his four NHL seasons, what’s really impressive is his 51 assist per year average. That works out to 0.63 assists per game.
Compare that to Mika Zibanejad, arguably, the Rangers top offensive weapon until Panarin came aboard. Zibanjad has averaged 0.35 assists per game in his three year career in New York.
There’s no doubt that Mats Zuccarello was the best Ranger playmaker over the last few years.