Rangers superstar gets disrespected in latest ranking by the NHL
For some NHL wingers, a top-5 ranking on a list of 20 of the best forwards in the NHL would be a godsend for some players.
However for Artemi Panarin, who scored 120 points, and was an NHL First-Team All-Star is feels like a slight against him.
His prior best season was in 2021-2022, scoring 96 points and this season saw him score 49 goals and 120 points.
He finished top five in Hart Trophy rankings, Panarin deserved a better spot than Matthew Tkachuk, David Pastrnak, and Mikko Rantanen.
Breadman and the Rangers should use the Eastern Conference Finals exit, and his lower-than-expected ranking on the NHL Network list, as fuel for the fire.
Panarin should've easily cleared the top-3, and considering he's only 33 and showing no indication of slowing down. Panarin entered the NHL in 2015-2016, at age 24 from the KHL, and has built upon the promise shown since his arrival with the Chicago Blackhawks.
He could easily repeat his production of this season, and still be deserving of a top 2 or 3 ranking on next year's list.
If that wasn't bad enough, Sam Reinhart, who scored 57 goals and 94 points was ranked 9th. This list is very shameful, and very scoff-worthy.
Overall, you could argue it should be: 1. Nikita Kucherov, 2. Artemi Panarin, and 3. Sam Reinhart. But let's not forget that lists are subjective and oftentimes based on vibes instead of facts.
The official list that was released by NHL.com:
NHL Top Players: Top 20 Wingers
Source: Blueline Station
NY Rangers winger gets little respect from a major hockey outlet
| POLL | ||
Was Panarin disrespected by the NHL Network? | ||
| Yes | 53 | 67.9 % |
| No | 25 | 32.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
