REPORT: Main Reason Why Rangers superstarArtemi Panarin will likely be snubbed from an MVP win
Artemi Panarin stands out as the undeniable superstar among the talented roster of the New York Rangers. Since joining the team in 2019, this Russian forward has consistently showcased his offensive prowess, amassing an impressive 438 points in just 338 games with the Blueshirts. With such remarkable achievements, Panarin has rightfully earned his place as one of the premier forwards in recent hockey history.
The current season has seen Panarin reach new heights, delivering standout performances that have often carried the Rangers to victory. Many fans and observers believe that his exceptional play warrants recognition as the league MVP, with strong contention for the prestigious Hart Trophy at the season’s end. However, despite his deserving candidacy, there’s a prevailing sense that Panarin may ultimately miss out on these honors.
Artemi Panarin is having the best season of his career with his bald head
Artemi Panarin showcased his scoring prowess once again in his latest appearance on the ice, notching his third hat trick of the season. This remarkable feat also marked his first time reaching the 40-goal milestone in his career, making him the 22nd Ranger in history to achieve this distinction and the first since Chris Kreider in the 2021-22 season.
Heading into the upcoming matchup against the Florida Panthers, Panarin has already amassed an impressive 97 points for the season, setting a new career-best for himself. With his consistent performance, it’s almost certain that he’ll reach the 100-point mark for the first time, and the possibility of achieving this milestone in tonight’s game against his former teammate Sergei Bobrovsky adds an intriguing narrative to the matchup.
In addition to his offensive exploits, Panarin has demonstrated an expanded skill set this season, notably in his solid defensive contributions. Teaming up with Vincent Trocheck and Alexis Lafreniere, Panarin has formed a formidable line that has excelled both offensively and defensively, further solidifying his status as a complete player.
Panarin has been the Rangers’ MVP, but he still won’t win the Hart Trophy
Despite Artemi Panarin’s nomination for the Hart Trophy in the 2019-20 season, he narrowly missed out on winning the prestigious award. Now, fans are clamoring for Panarin to be nominated once again, but the likelihood of him clinching the win seems slim.
In recent years, the NHL’s approach to the Hart Trophy has shifted towards prioritizing point production, often overlooking other aspects of a player’s performance. While Panarin has consistently delivered excellence for the Rangers throughout the season, he doesn’t currently lead the NHL in points. This distinction belongs to Nikita Kucherov, who is expected to be named one of the finalists for the award. Additionally, the presence of perennial standout Connor McDavid makes it likely that he will also secure a finalist spot, leaving limited room for other contenders.
While the Rangers undoubtedly have a strong case for nominating Panarin for the Hart Trophy, the league’s historical selections suggest that his chances of winning are relatively low. Despite his elite play and contributions to the team, the NHL’s tendency to prioritize point leaders may overshadow Panarin’s impressive performance this season.