New York Rangers star Artemi Panarin returned to practice today, but remains day-to-day with a lower-body injury, head coach Peter Laviolette shared with Arthur Staple of The Athletic. Top prospect Brennan Othmann replaced Panarin in the team’s Friday night preseason matchup against the Islanders.
Othmann has managed four points through the preseason, tied with defender Zachary Jones for the team’s scoring lead. He’s managed one goal and three assists, all primary, making him one of just five Rangers with multiple primary points this preseason. Othmann is preparing for his second professional season, after netting a shrewd 49 points in 67 AHL games last season. He’ll get another chance to show the Rangers his might on Friday, while Panarin preps for the team’s October 9th season opener.
Other notes from around the league:
- Buffalo Sabres winger Nicolas Aube-Kubel was seen wearing a brace on his left leg after the team’s season opener, shares Lance Lysowski of The Buffalo News. Head coach Lindy Ruff didn’t provide any updates, other than mentioning that the team will know more this weekend. Aube-Kubel is one of the many fighting for a spot in Buffalo’s bottom six. He scored two points in two preseason games, and managed two shots in the team’s first game.
- The St. Louis Blues have extended their affiliation with the AHL’s Springfield Thunderbirds through the 2030-31 season. The two sides have been partnered since 2020, on a deal that was originally set to expire in 2025. Springfield has produced heaps of talent for the Blues roster in the years since, including being the initial testing grounds for current Blues head coach Drew Bannister. Springfield has managed a 111-87-22 record across three seasons under the Blues, though they’re coming off a losing record in 2023-24 (30-37-5).
I’ve been a season ticket holder in Springfield since the 1988 season, and this is the most stable affiliation we’ve ever had. Huzzah to St Louis.
I grew up with the Peoria Rivermen – was spoiled by their Blues affiliation. I envy you now, but happy to know they’re still top notch!
They’ve treated us very well, but better yet, they put an amazing organization in place. Take last season. For various health reasons, I could only get to a bare handful of games, but I *still* got a call from a team representative over the summer, asking me how my experience was, and sitting on the phone with me for ten minutes grilling me on what I thought they could do better. The team president regularly walks the concourse during games, talking to fans, getting their feedback on things. The team store sells branded merchandise for both the Falcons AND the Indians, paying homage to franchises of the past (and making those of us who followed those teams very happy).
It’s a classy organization.