From the moment the NY Rangers signed star goal scorer Artemi Panarin, it was clear he would go on to do big things for the Rangers organization.
Since the start of the 2019-20 season, he has done just that.
At the 43rd game mark, Panarin's team leading 61 points has now placed him above the likes of NHL Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky.
In the 96-97 season, Gretzky set a team record of 59 points through 43 games.
With Thursday's 6-3 win over the Devils, Panarin would get his 61st point of the season, thus surpassing Gretzky's record.
Artemi Panarin's 61 points are the most-ever by a @NYRangers player through his first 43 games with the franchise, besting Wayne Gretzky's previous mark in 1996-97 (16-43—59 in 43 GP). #NHLStats pic.twitter.com/badaRI0KeN— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) January 10, 2020
In addition to surpassing “The Great One,” this would also move Panarin into the 6th all-time fastest player to amass 60 points with a new team.
As Panarin continues to stay red hot for the Rangers, following a very hefty contract signing, it seems apparent that his on-ice presence was worth every penny.
