We now have some answers for one of the NHL’s most talked about moments of the 2021-22 season.
Artemi Panarin has provided an explanation for why he threw his glove at Brad Marchand on Black Friday. The incident occurred late in the game with both benches chirping at each other.
Marchand triggered Panarin by saying some things that crossed the line. Panarin responded by taking off his glove and throwing it at Marchand. The NHL fined Panarin $5K for the throw.
Artemi Panarin is not a Brad Marchand fan. pic.twitter.com/apZwFhj0jQ
— Brady Trettenero (@BradyTrett) November 26, 2021
Marchand was mic’d up on ESPN for the game. The NHL has a rule, however, that they can’t use broadcast TV mic’d up audio to determine what is said on the ice. Luckily, we have an explanation from Panarin himself.
According to multiple reports, Marchand set Panarin off by bringing up Russia. Panarin told reporters Russia is a “no-no” when it comes to chirping. He also said he’s thankful the Rangers pay him an $11.6M yearly salary so he can afford the fine.
Panarin confirms Marchand said something about Russia, and that's a no-no. Said he's out $5K, but he thanks the Rangers for paying him $11.6 million per year. He can afford it.
— Colin Stephenson (@ColinSNewsday) November 27, 2021
The Athletic’s Arthur Staple reports that Marchand brought up Russian president Vladimir Putin and how nobody in Russia likes Panarin.
Back in 2019, Panarin called out president Putin for how he runs his hometown country. In the interview, Panarin said Putin “no longer understands what’s right and what’s wrong”. Panarin added that Putin’s time in power “should be over”.
Panarin had to take a leave of absence from the Rangers after speaking out against Putin. Panarin felt he and his family were in serious danger after the interview. The Russian forward moved to the United States permanently.
Russia is a sensitive issue for Panarin, so it’s not surprising he reacted how he did to Marchand. Trash talking is a part of hockey, but personal jabs are typically viewed as crossing the line.
Panarin’s Rangers next faceoff against Marchand’s Bruins on April 22nd, 2022.