The New York Rangers chose to deploy star forward Artemi Panarin in two of their preseason games, and both times, he was forced out with different injuries.
Panarin, who is coming off his best regular season in the NHL, couldn't have the most optimal training camp and preseason, but he finally returned to practice on Monday, just ahead of Wednesday's season opener against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Rangers head coach Peter Laviolette sounded optimistic about the availability of Panarin for the opener, but he left the door open for his possible absence.
"He made it through the practice today without any issues," Laviolette said, per USA Today's Vince Mercogliano. "That’s a positive.”
Panarin, however, slammed shut any questions and speculation about his availability, whether Laviolette liked him to do so in such an open way or not.
"I feel good right now," Panarin said. "I hope I'm good to go."
The star forward had missed the previous five days with a lower-body injury, leaving his availability for Wednesday up in the air.
After a full practice session with his usual linemates on the top forward line--that's Vincent Trocheck in the middle and Alexis Lafreniere on the right wing--Panarin should be ready to face the Penguins on Wednesday.
Panarin left last week's preseason game against the New Jersey Devils as a precaution after just four shifts, and he didn't suit up against the New York Islanders in the team's preseason finale.
Meanwhile, the Rangers face more uncertainty with Ryan Lindgren and Jimmy Vesey, as the franchise made official their placement on injured reserve (IR) to start the season.
Lindgren will remain on IR following a preseason fight with Scott Mayfield, while Vesey was placed on long-term injured reserve (LTIR) after suffering a lower-body injury in practice.
Vesey is guaranteed to miss at least 10 games, while Lindgren continues to skate on his own as he works toward a return.
