Artemi Panarin Still Processing Rangers Exit as He Returns to MSG

The former Rangers star opens up about his emotional departure from New York ahead of his first game against his old team.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 9:40pm

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Artemi Panarin, the former star forward for the New York Rangers, is still processing his trade from the team last month as he prepares to face his old squad for the first time at Madison Square Garden. Despite his usual humor and one-liners, Panarin's nerves and emotions surrounding his departure from New York are still very raw, as he acknowledged in an interview with a large media contingent ahead of the game.

Why it matters

Panarin was a fan favorite during his time with the Rangers, emerging as one of the team's top offensive threats. His sudden departure has left many Rangers fans disappointed and curious about the circumstances around the trade. This return to MSG will be an emotional moment for Panarin as he confronts his past with the team.

The details

In the interview, Panarin joked that he was glad the security guards at MSG remembered him and that he hopes Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin has a bad night against Panarin's new team, the Los Angeles Kings. However, behind the humor, Panarin's nerves and emotions were evident as he spoke about his time as a Ranger, which he described as glowing.

  • Panarin was traded from the Rangers last month.
  • Panarin will be returning to MSG on Monday for the first time since the trade.

The players

Artemi Panarin

A former star forward for the New York Rangers who was recently traded to the Los Angeles Kings.

Igor Shesterkin

The starting goaltender for the New York Rangers, who is a compatriot of Panarin's.

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What they’re saying

“He smiled as he said he hopes Rangers goalie and compatriot Igor Shesterkin has a bad night against his Kings team.”

— Artemi Panarin

“Behind his usual humor and one-liners, however, is a player whose nerves and emotions surrounding his departure from New York are still very raw.”

— Mollie Walker, Reporter

The takeaway

Panarin's return to MSG will be an emotional moment as he confronts his past with the Rangers, a team and city he clearly had a strong connection with. Despite his attempts at humor, the lingering feelings around his departure are still evident, highlighting the complex nature of professional sports trades and the impact they can have on players.