Artemi Panarin
A dazzling playmaker with a scorer's touch, he became one of hockey's most electrifying and productive wingers after being overlooked in the NHL draft.
Born 1991 (age 35)·Russian ice hockey player·Birthday: October 30·Millennials
Biography
Artemi Panarin's journey to NHL stardom is a classic tale of the overlooked talent who refused to be ignored. Born in Korkino, Russia, he was passed over in every round of the NHL draft, a slight that fueled a determined rise through the Russian leagues. His breakthrough came not in North America but with SKA Saint Petersburg, where his slick hands and creative vision made him a KHL star. The Chicago Blackhawks finally took a chance in 2015, and Panarin instantly silenced doubters, winning the Calder Trophy as the league's top rookie. His subsequent moves to the New York Rangers and later the Los Angeles Kings were seismic events, with his graceful, high-IQ playmaking transforming franchises and making him one of the highest-paid players in the sport. Nicknamed 'Breadman' for the last part of his surname, he bakes chances for teammates with a consistency that has redefined the modern offensive winger.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Artemi was born in 1991, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Artemi Was Born
The biggest hits of 1991
#1 Movie
Terminator 2: Judgment Day
Best Picture
The Silence of the Lambs
#1 TV Show
Cheers
Artemi's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1991Born
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1996Started school
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2004Became a teenager
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Could drive
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2009Could vote
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2012Turned 21
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2021Turned 30
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 35 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL's Rookie of the Year in 2016 with the Chicago Blackhawks.
- Recorded a career-high 123 points (42 goals, 81 assists) in the 2023-24 season with the New York Rangers.
- Has been selected as an NHL All-Star on multiple occasions, including in 2017, 2019, 2020, and 2023.
- Led the New York Rangers in scoring for multiple consecutive seasons after signing as a free agent in 2019.
Did You Know?
His nickname 'Breadman' or 'Bread' comes from the 'pan' in Panarin, which relates to the Spanish word for bread.
He was undrafted by any NHL team and played four full seasons in the KHL before coming to North America.
Panarin is known for his distinctive goal celebration, pretending to toss his stick like a fishing rod and reel in a catch.
He and his wife welcomed a son named Artemi (Artemiy) in 2021, making him Artemi Panarin Jr.
“I just try to play my game and make something happen.”
