The New York Rangers informed the NHL last year of an investigation into sexual assault allegations made by a team employee against Artemi Panarin. The NHL confirmed that an independent investigation was conducted by an outside law firm at the club's behest. Panarin and Madison Square Garden Sports reportedly settled with the former employee who alleged that the incident occurred during a road trip in December 2023.
According to The Athletic, the woman claimed Panarin took her phone at a gathering and later pinned her down in his hotel room, which she managed to escape from. The woman left the Rangers in August after reaching settlements that included a nondisclosure agreement and no admission of wrongdoing by Panarin, as reported by The Athletic. Both MSG and the woman have stated that the matter has been resolved.
Artemi Panarin, a 33-year-old Russian winger, has been the top scorer for the New York Rangers this season and is nearing the end of a lucrative contract. Despite the allegations, Panarin was named the team's MVP for the second consecutive season. The NHL and the Rangers consider the matter closed following the investigation and settlement.