Artemi Panarin Taking Leave Of Absence After Russian Newspaper Claims He Got Into A Physical Altercation With A Woman In 2011

New York Rangers superstar Artemi Panarin has decided to leave the team for the time being after a report came out that he physically assaulted a woman in 2011.

The report comes after Panarin’s former KHL coach, Andrei Nazarov, claimed that he got into an altercation with an 18-year-old woman in Latvia in 2011. Nazarov said Panarin,”sent her to the floor with several powerful blows,” according to a translation provided to ESPN.

Andrei Nazarov would go on the claim that the woman involved dropped her case against Panarin when she was paid off. Nazarov has criticized Panarin in the past for being outspoken about Russia’s president Vladimir Putin.

“Artemi vehemently and unequivocally denies any and all allegations in this fabricated story,” the Rangers said in a statement Monday. “This is clearly an intimidation tactic being used against him for being outspoken on recent political events. Artemi is obviously shaken and concerned and will take some time away from the team. The Rangers fully support Artemi and will work with him to identify the source of these unfounded allegations.”

On the season, Artemi Panarin has five goals to go along with 13 assists. When he’s right, Panarin is one of the most exciting players in the entire NHL.

We’ll see what kind of developments follow from this troubling story.

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