Former Blackhawks forward Artem Anisimov retires
Former Chicago Blackhawks forward Artem Anisimov didn’t get enough credit. From 2015 to 2017, Anisimov centered one of the best lines in hockey, playing with Patrick Kane and Artemi Panarin.
Earlier today, Anisimov officially announced his retirement from hockey in a post on Instagram.
“I gave hockey my all as a player and decided to hang up the skates,” Anisimov said. “I have been blessed to have a wonderful career, playing alongside many hockey legends on the biggest hockey stages, making a lot of good friends along the way. I never took that experience for granted. ”
Anisimov was drafted in the second round of the 2006 NHL Draft by the New York Rangers. Over the course of his 13 year career, Anisimov played in 771 NHL games with four different teams – the New York Rangers, Columbus Blue Jackets, Chicago Blackhawks and Ottawa Senators.
Anisimov played 291 games with the Blackhawks, the most of his stops across the league. In four seasons he amassed 155 points including 77 goals. His best season came in 2016-17 when he put up 45 points (22G and 23A) in 64 games while playing on a line with Panarin and Kane.
Blackhawks fans will always remember the way Panarin came into the league. Winning the 2015-16 Calder Trophy as the rookie of the year at 24. Panarin started his career with 30 goals and helped Patrick Kane have one of his best seasons in the NHL scoring 46 goals and registering 60 assists.
Kane would end up winning the Art Ross, Hart and Ted Lindsay Award in 2016 after his first season playing with Panarin. Panarin and Kane’s chemistry will always be remembered as one of the best duos in Chicago, but the way Anisimov centered the line deserves just as much credit.
There is no doubt the Blackhawks could use a reliable center like Anisimov just about now, especially with a lack of faceoff experience going into the season.
