New York Rangers superstar Artemi Panarin, affectionately known as "The Breadman," is instantly recognizable on the ice thanks to his dazzling skill and his distinctive number 72. While many athletes have profound or personal reasons for their chosen digits, Panarin's journey to donning #72 is a delightful mix of circumstance and comfort, proving that sometimes, the best choices are happy accidents.
From #27 to the Iconic #72
Before becoming the dynamic playmaker we know today, Panarin actually preferred a different number. During his formative years and his time in Russia's KHL, Panarin wore number 27. When he made the leap to the NHL with the Chicago Blackhawks for the 2015-16 season, he naturally wanted to stick with his familiar digits. However, #27 was already taken by veteran John Scott at the time. Faced with the need to pick a new number, Panarin simply reversed his preferred choice, settling on 72. It was a pragmatic decision, born purely out of availability, but one that would soon define his burgeoning NHL career.
That season, Panarin exploded onto the scene, winning the Calder Memorial Trophy as the league's top rookie while wearing #72. The number quickly became synonymous with his electrifying offensive talent. When he was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets, Panarin had the option to revert to #27, but he chose to stick with the number that had brought him so much success and become part of his NHL identity. He continued to wear #72 through his record-breaking tenure in Columbus and, of course, brought it with him to the bright lights of Broadway when he signed with the New York Rangers, cementing #72 as his signature.