Rangers' Panarin out for season following Tom Wilson incident

Tom Wilson #43 of the Washington Capitals takes a roughing penalty against Artemi Panarin #10 of the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden. POOL PHOTOS-USA TODAY Sports

Rangers' Artemi Panarin out for season following Tom Wilson incident

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 5/4/21

Washington Capitals forward Tom Wilson controversially avoided a suspension but instead received a $5,000 fine, the maximum allowable per the collective bargaining agreement, for his actions in Monday's game against the New York Rangers.

Per Emily Kaplan of ESPN, New York coach David Quinn confirmed on Tuesday that Artemi Panarin, as well as Jacob Trouba and Ryan Lindgren, are done for the season now that the Rangers have been eliminated from the Stanley Cup Playoffs with only three games remaining on their schedule.

Wilson was not disciplined for appearing to slam Panarin to the ice via a move that some, including Larry Brooks of the New York Post, have said should've resulted in a lengthy ban that would've prevented a repeat offender from participating in the upcoming postseason tournament.

Incorrect. Pulled his hair and then slammed his head on the ground. Slow-no video, watch Wilson’s left hand pic.twitter.com/CLT1t2blSm
— dantelives13 (@dantelives13) May 4, 2021

Panarin is listed out with a lower-body injury.

Wilson was, however, fined for punching New York's Pavel Buchnevich when Buchnevich was face down on the ice.

Tom Wilson once again crosses the line, as he goes after Pavel Buchnevich in the crease after play is stopped #NYR pic.twitter.com/o8aSjcLWEV
— Shayna (@hayyyshayyy) May 4, 2021

Wilson has a reputation among fans and peers for being a dirty player, and he's had multiple run-ins with the NHL Department of Player Safety over the years. Most recently, he was suspended seven games in March for a hit on Boston Bruins defenseman Brandon Carlo.

"A defenseless player in Panarin, in my opinion, with no helmet, a superstar in the league - I just think it's a joke, to be honest with you," Rangers center Ryan Strome told reporters on Tuesday. "I know it's not my responsibility to make decisions, but I just can't believe that. I think it sends a bad message, in my opinion. I think everyone pretty much agrees with that. I just think that the league missed one here big time. It's unfortunate our best player is out for the rest of the year."

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