Published: April 17, 2025
By: Adam
NEW YORK — In 2024, New York Rangers forward Artemi Panarin and Madison Square Garden Sports Corp., the company that owns the team, reached a confidential financial settlement with a female employee of the Rangers who alleged that Panarin had sexually assaulted her, according to a National Hockey League (NHL) source who reviewed the settlement agreement and three other individuals briefed on the situation.
The employee, whose identity has not been publicly disclosed, no longer works for the organization. She reportedly brought the allegation to the attention of team executives in late 2023, prompting internal discussions and ultimately resulting in a negotiated payout by both Panarin and MSG Sports.
According to sources, the settlement was finalized quietly in early 2024 and includes strict non-disclosure provisions. The financial terms have not been made public. No criminal charges have been filed, and law enforcement officials have not commented on whether any investigation took place.
Silence from All Sides
Both the New York Rangers and MSG Sports declined to comment when reached by multiple media outlets this week. Panarin, 33, has also remained silent, with his legal representatives neither confirming nor denying the existence of the settlement. The NHL has yet to issue a formal statement regarding the matter.
This silence has drawn criticism from advocates and fans alike who are calling for greater transparency and accountability from professional sports organizations when handling serious allegations, especially those involving high-profile athletes.
“Organizations often use settlements as a way to make problems disappear,” said one former NHL team executive who spoke on the condition of anonymity. “But this doesn’t erase the potential harm done, nor does it reassure anyone that real steps are being taken to protect employees.”
A Star Under Scrutiny
Panarin has been a cornerstone of the Rangers since joining the team in 2019 on a blockbuster seven-year deal worth $81.5 million. Known for his electrifying offensive play and charismatic presence, he quickly became one of the faces of the franchise, frequently featured in team marketing and community outreach campaigns.
This is not the first time Panarin has faced controversy. In 2021, he took a leave of absence following politically charged accusations made in Russia — claims he and the Rangers firmly denied. He returned to the ice without disciplinary action.
Now, with fresh allegations and a confidential settlement emerging, questions are being raised about how much teams are willing to tolerate when it comes to protecting their star players.
The Bigger Picture: NHL’s Culture in Question
The case reignites ongoing discussions about the culture within the NHL and how the league and its teams handle misconduct allegations. The NHL has long faced criticism for lagging behind other major sports leagues in terms of transparency, accountability, and protection for victims of abuse.
In recent years, the league has been rocked by a series of high-profile scandals, most notably the Chicago Blackhawks sexual abuse case involving former player Kyle Beach. That incident triggered a wave of internal reviews across the league and led to promises of better protocols, training, and reporting mechanisms.
However, critics argue that not enough has changed.
“If this happened quietly, and no one knew until now, that’s a problem,” said Lisa McGrath, a lawyer who works with victims of workplace sexual misconduct. “It suggests that the NHL’s commitment to change is more cosmetic than real.”
What Happens Next?
As of now, there is no indication that the NHL plans to reopen the matter or investigate independently. Legal experts note that, because no charges were filed and the case was resolved through a private settlement, the league may see little incentive to act—unless public or internal pressure mounts.
Meanwhile, Panarin remains active on the Rangers’ roster as they prepare for a potential playoff run. The team has made no official acknowledgement of the situation, and it is unclear how — or if — this development will impact Panarin’s status with the organization.
Fans and analysts alike are left wondering what this means for a league already under scrutiny and for a player whose public image may be forever altered, regardless of legal outcomes.
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