Artemi Panarin: The Russian Kane

image from NHL

The next Russian hockey superstar is among us, and he has arrived with a bang. 

24 year-old Artemi Panarin entered his first season playing in North America with the Chicago Blackhawks. He had spent all of his young career playing in the KHL in Russia as a member of the powerhouse SKA Saint Petersburg. Panarin posted an astonishing 62 points in 54 games for SKA last season. Those 62 points consisted of 26 goals and 36 assists, with a +18 plus/minus category. 

Panarin with SKA Saint Petersburg

19 games into his first NHL season, "Bread Man" as he is referred to, is leading all NHL rookies in points with 21 and assists with 14. He is second in goals with 7 tallies to his credit. Panarin is tearing it up. Artemi has found chemistry playing the left wing along side his center and fellow countryman Artem Anisimov, and established superstar Patrick Kane on the right wing. Kane and Panarin have been the leading scorers for the Blackhawks all year long and it does not really come with much surprise. 

Both Panarin and Kane are similar players. Both are not the biggest guys in the world. Panarin is listed as 5'11" and 170 pounds while Kane is listed as 5'10" and 181 pounds. Where these are both similar in terms of style of play is that they are bonafide goal scorers and playmakers. Kaner and Bread Man both possess a set of wicked hands which they both use to create space for themselves in the offensive zone. Some respectable speed and great vision. Panarin wields all the tools that Kane has come to be known for ever since he came into the NHL. Panarin is giving Chicago fans the same level of thrill and excitement that Kane gave them when he entered the league in the 2007 season. Artem Anisimov shouldn't be too upset to have too elite goal scoring options on his wings. The hands, the goal scoring touch, the flare, its all there for the young Russian sensation. 

Not everything has been the easy for Panarin since moving to North America. He can speak virtually no English and requires the assistance of fellow Russian teammate Viktor Tikhonov to translate questions asked for him and his responses in interviews. 

Here is a short interview with Panarin, assisted by Tikhonov, talking about how is acclimating to life in North America and learning English:

While he may not be able to say it in the native language of his new home, Panarin knows quite well what he can provide to his new Chicago team. He is an extremely smart hockey player who has everything you want out of a soon-to-be elite goal scorer in the NHL. Do not be shocked if you start seeing the #72 Blackhawks jersey becoming one of the most sold jerseys in the league. 

Panarin is quickly becoming a fan favorite in Chicago, and will soon become a league-wide favorite. A flat-out exciting player to watch. A future star in the making, right before our own eyes.

image from CSN Chicago