Artemi Panarin has taken a leave of absence with the New York Rangers full support. Larry Brooks of the NY Post broke the story earlier today citing a “hit piece” from his former KHL coach Andrei Nazarov.
The allegation claims the incident took place in 2011 in Riga. It also claims 40,000 Euros were paid to make the case go away. Panarin’s former coach also brought up Panarin’s critical social media posts for stirring political unrest in Russia.
Rangers release statement as Panarin denies claims
“Artemi vehemently and unequivocally denies any and all allegations in this fabricated story,” a team statement reads.