Rangers’ Artemi Panarin Settles Sexual Assault Allegations with Employee

New York, NY – Artemi Panarin, a forward for the New York Rangers, and Madison Square Garden Sports settled financial agreements last year with a former team employee following allegations of sexual assault against Panarin. The alleged incident occurred during a Rangers road trip in December 2023.

According to sources, the woman, who left the organization in August 2024, claimed that Panarin took her phone during a post-game gathering at a hotel with approximately a dozen players and staff members. He allegedly told her he would only return it if she came to his hotel room.

Once in the room, Panarin reportedly pinned her down on the bed. The woman managed to push him off, retrieve her phone, and leave the room quickly. Panarin and his agent did not respond to requests for comment regarding the allegations.

MSG Sports issued a statement saying, “The matter has been resolved.” The woman further echoed this sentiment, but her identity has not been disclosed, as is standard in cases of sexual misconduct. The NHL confirmed that an independent investigation was conducted and stated they consider the matter closed.

The incidents were not reported to law enforcement, nor did she inform the Rangers until approximately three months after the alleged assault, during a separate investigation into her sharing anti-anxiety medication with a teammate. Sources indicated she was placed on paid leave as part of that inquiry.

Feeling mistreated by the organization, the employee chose to inform the team about the assault. During her leave, a meeting was convened by MSG Sports management, where attendees were instructed not to discuss her situation further.

At the time of the alleged assault, Panarin led the team with 43 goals and 102 points and was in contention for the Hart Trophy, awarded to the NHL’s most valuable player. He has consistently been the leading scorer for the Rangers since joining the team in 2019.

The Rangers and the NHL have not disclosed whether Panarin faced any disciplinary actions due to the allegations. However, this incident is not Panarin’s first encounter with legal scrutiny. In February 2021, he took a leave of absence following accusations in a Russian publication regarding a physical altercation in Latvia, which the Rangers dismissed as an “intimidation tactic” related to his outspoken views on Russian politics.

On the night of his alleged conduct, Panarin was honored as the team’s MVP for the 2024-25 season.