New York Rangers’ Artemi Panarin asks fans to vote for teammates as wife expects second child

New York Rangers winger Artemi Panarin announced to fans on Thursday that he doesn’t want them to vote for him for the All-Star Weekend, as him and his wife are expecting their second child soon.

Many fans were left wondering why Panarin, 32, was not included in the initial All-Star selections considering that he is currently tied for third in league scoring. However, he revealed the reason later that day in a video released by the Rangers social media accounts.

“Hi Rangers Fans!” said Panarin in the video. “Sadly, I can’t go to the All-Star Game this year – my wife and I are expecting our second baby, and I can’t wait for this moment. Thank you for your love and support. Please vote for my teammates!”

In Panarin’s place, Igor Shesterkin was selected to represent the Rangers in the All-Star Game. Shesterkin has a 16-8-0 record and a .908% save percentage in 24 games this season. He was one of four goalies selected for the All-Star Game, and the only one in the Eastern Conference.

The Rangers have now focused their promotion for All-Star votes on Mika Zibanejad (14 goals and 38 points in 37 games), Adam Fox (3 goals and 24 points in 27 games), Chris Kreider (20 goals and 35 points in 37 games), Jacob Trouba (3 goals and 16 points in 37 games), Vincent Trocheck (9 goals and 36 points in 37 games), and Alexis Lafreniere (10 goals and 23 points in 37 games).

Panarin has had another incredible season with the Rangers, with 24 goals and 29 assists for 53 points in 37 games. He’s already just eight goals away from tying his career high in goals, and he is currently on pace for 117 points, which would significantly surpass his career high and be the first time he’d hit the 100-point plateau in his career.

The All-Star Weekend will take place in Toronto from February 1st to 3rd, with the Player Draft happening on Thursday, February 1st at 6 p.m. EST, the Skills Competition being held on Friday, February 2nd at 7 p.m. EST, and the actual game occurring on Saturday February 3rd at 3 p.m. EST.