Artemi Panarin named an All Star for first time in his career

Artemi Panarin has been selected as a 2020 All Star, which will be his first All Star selection in his career. I find that to be crazy, that he’s never been an All Star before. He’s also the first Russian to represent the Rangers at the All Star Game in the club’s history.

Panarin, signed as a free agent this offseason, leads the Rangers in scoring with a line of 21-30-51 in 38 games. He makes all of his teammates better too, with all of his linemates playing better with him than without.

As it stands, Panarin is the only Ranger selected to the team. However voting does open on January 1, where fans will have the chance to vote in others in the Last Man Standing. Mika Zibanejad represents the Rangers for that honor.

Worth noting that Joonas Korpisalo, who is out with a knee injury, was selected to the All Star Game. He may need to be replaced. Just something to keep an eye on.