Panarin returns to practice with the Rangers

New York Rangers winger Artemi Panarin has returned to practice with the team for the first time since taking a hiatus from hockey to deal with reports of an alleged assault on an 18-year-old female back in 2011.

The original source of the claim, Andrei Nazarov, is believed to have fabricated the story due to Panarin's open support of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who he believes is being wrongfully imprisoned.

A subsequent claim alleges that Panarin, in conjunction with "authoritative locals" paid off police to avoid any legal recourse after knocking a young woman to the ground with "several powerful blows".

Since the original claims surfaced, Panarin has had dozens of individuals, including some who were present the night in question, refute Nazarov's story.

Panarin took a leave of absence from the team on February 22nd in order to dealing with the issue and to ensure the safety of his family back home in Russia, though he didn't actually have to leave U.S. soil to do so.

Prior to the allegations, Panarin had been enjoying another successful campaign with the Rangers, notching 15 points in his first 13 games.

Panarin may not play on Thursday, as he has not practiced in a couple of weeks, but a return against the Bruins on Saturday is possible.

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