Mika Zibanejad told Chris Johnston of Sportsnet that he tried selling Artemi Panarin on coming to the Rangers when Columbus came to MSG on 4/5/18. (Sportsnet)
Zibanejad said that he was “just trying to get” Panarin “a little bit” while he told him that Panarin would be a “welcome” addition to the Rangers. (Sportsnet)
He said that Panarin was “just laughing” in response. (Sportsnet)
That night at MSG, Panarin scored a goal and the shootout winner as Columbus clinched a playoff spot:
Zibanejad described Panarin as “slippery” on the ice, that he is consistently making unexpected plays and doesn’t panic with the puck in “stressful situations.” (Sportsnet)