New York Rangers star Artemi Panarin is taking a leave of absence from the team for personal reasons.
The news comes after a Russian newspaper published allegations from Panarin\'s former KHL coach, Andrei Nazarov, claiming the winger got into a physical altercation with an 18-year-old woman in Latvia in 2011. Nazarov\'s interview said Panarin \"sent her to the floor with several powerful blows,\" according to a translation provided to ESPN. Nazarov has previously criticized Panarin\'s outspoken beliefs toward Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Via ESPN.com