Artemi Panarin: 'I Have Nothing to Hide'

New York Rangers forward Artemi Panarin just wants to play hockey and isn't interested in discussing the fine details of why he needed to take a leave of absence from the hockey team. It's reportedly been extremely politically influenced from his native land of Russia and at this time Panarin just wants to focus on winning hockey games.

He recently met with the media and was asked about sharing some details of why he left the Rangers for a a couple of weeks:

It's probably not the time to discuss it right now. I have nothing to hide. I will address everything after the season, but right now the focus is on the game and not these discussions.

Allegations surfaced regarding Panarin's involvement with a 18-year-old woman back in 2011. The story sounded bizarre from the get-go and according to those with knowledge of the fine details, nothing about this is true and it's politically influenced because of Panarin's outspokenness regarding the political scene in Russia.

The Rangers went 4-5-0 in the nine games Panarin missed and his coach and his teammates are happy to have him back in their lineup. So far this season, the Bread Man has registered 22 points in 16 games.

The NHL is a better place when Artemi Panarin is playing hockey.