In today’s NHL rumors rundown, it was reported that Artemi Panarin and the New York Rangers settled sexual assault allegations with a former team employee. It’s not the kind of news the Rangers want out there after a tumultuous season. Will it affect their summer plans or Panarin’s future with the team? Meanwhile, goaltender Stuart Skinner earned a shutout in the final regular-season game of the year for the Oilers. Is he going in as the starter for the playoffs? Finally, is Jason Robertson going to miss a chunk of the playoffs for the Dallas Stars? His injury status does not sound positive.
What Now for Panarin and the Rangers?
It was reported on Thursday that the New York Rangers and star forward Artemi Panarin settled a sexual allegation issue with a former Rangers employee. The Athletic revealed that Panarin and MSG Sports considered the matter closed, but the report raises questions about his future with the team.
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The alleged incident occurred during a road trip in December 2023 and was later revealed through an internal investigation. While the NHL now considers the matter handled, and no formal charges were pressed, what happens next, particularly as the Rangers go through speculated changes in the offseason, should be intriguing to watch.
Perhaps nothing comes of this. Katie Strang wrote:
Neither Panarin nor his agent responded to a request seeking comment. An MSG Sports spokesperson said in an emailed statement: “The matter has been resolved.”
source – ‘Artemi Panarin, MSG reached settlements with Rangers employee after sexual assault allegation’ – Katie Stang – The Athletic – 04/17/2025
Panarin, who was recently named the team’s MVP for the 2024-25 season, remains under contract with a full no-move clause. This is not a lingering case that remains open and beyond the optics of how it appears; there may be nothing further that is unveiled regarding the incident. Still, the controversy will raise questions about his long-term future with the club.
With an underwhelming season behind them and offseason changes expected, the Rangers may face a difficult decision regarding one of their top stars.
Skinner to Start Playoffs for Oilers
Stuart Skinner made an emphatic statement in the last game of the regular season and ahead of the playoffs for the Oilers, stopping all 18 shots he faced in a 3-0 win over the San Jose Sharks on Wednesday night. It marked his third shutout of the season and the seventh of his NHL career. More importantly, it hinted that he may have found his game.
According to Oilers Now host Bob Stauffer, there is no question that Skinner will be the starter for the Edmonton Oilers when they open their first-round series against the Los Angeles Kings on April 21. He notes that Calvin Pickard has had a great season and he’s a solid backup option, but this is Skinner’s net to lose and the time off has likely helped him mentally and physically.
Jason Robertson Injury News Not Good
The Dallas Stars may be without star forward Jason Robertson as they open their first-round playoff series against the Colorado Avalanche. Robertson was spotted leaving Bridgestone Arena on Thursday night wearing a brace on his right knee following the team’s 7-4 loss to the Nashville Predators. The injury occurred during the final game of the regular season, sparking concern about his availability for Game 1 — and potentially beyond.
Head coach Pete DeBoer expressed frustration postgame, saying, “The purpose of resting people down the stretch was to hopefully avoid injury, and unfortunately, we didn’t do that with the Robertson injury.”
Despite dropping their final seven games, Dallas continued to dress a full lineup, including key players like Robertson. With no official update expected until Saturday’s practice, Stars fans will have to wait on news of Robertson’s status. He’s a crucial part of their offense, and if he’s out, it’s a massive loss.