Rangers' Kreider to replace Panarin at All-Star Game

New York Rangers forward Chris Kreider will take teammate Artemi Panarin's place at the upcoming All-Star festivities in St. Louis, the NHL announced.

Panarin missed Tuesday's loss to the New York Islanders with an upper-body injury.

The Rangers superstar ranks among the league leaders in goals and points this season with 26 and 68, respectively, through 47 contests.

Panarin's in his first campaign with New York after inking a seven-year deal worth a reported $81.5 million as an unrestricted free agent back on July 1.

Kreider, a pending UFA himself, has collected 17 goals and 32 points in 48 games in 2019-20.