In the first preseason game for the Rangers against the Devils at MSG, Artemi Panarin debuted wearing his new number 10 jersey.

While the electrifying Russian scoring forward showed excellent chemistry with Mika Zibanejad and top pick Kaapo Kakko, by scoring a power play goal on a rocket of a one-timer past both Chris Kreider and Devils goalie Cory Schneider, it wasn’t all good news for the newest big name Blueshirt.

He missed the last few shifts of the second period. Apparently, Ranger fans won’t be seeing the Bread Man for a while. He’ll likely be out the remainder of the preseason due to a mild groin strain.

Undoubtedly, not the news you want to start with in the first preseason game. However, better off now than later. It is September 16. So, there is time for Panarin to recover. The Blueshirts are banking on it. $11.6 million is quite a investment on the former Blue Jacket.

Hopefully, he’ll be ready to go for the season opener at home versus Winnipeg.