Former NHL forward Artem Anisimov signs PTO with AHL Hartford

A former depth player is giving it another go in North America.

On Tuesday, the Hartford Wolf Pack, the American Hockey League affiliate of the New York Rangers, announced they are signing Artem Anisimov to a professional tryout agreement.

The former 35-year-old has not played this season. He spent last season with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, the Philadelphia Flyers’ top farm team. In 55 games, the Yaroslavl, Russia native potted 19 goals and 17 assists, adding another two points in three playoff games.

This will be Anisimov’s second stint with the Wolf Pack, as he played 154 games in Hartford from 2007 to 2009, representing the team in the 2009 AHL All-Star Classic. He made his debut with the Rangers during the 2008-09 season, and became a full-time NHLer the following year. Anisimov ended up playing 343 regular season games with New York, and was a big part of the team’s run to the 2012 Eastern Conference Finals.

He was involved in the big trade in the summer of 2012 that sent Rick Nash to the Rangers. Anisimov ended up playing the next nine seasons with the Columbus Blue Jackets, Chicago Blackhawks and Ottawa Senators, last playing with the Sens during the COVID-shortened 2020-21 season.

In 773 NHL games, Anisimov scored 180 goals and 196 points, posting 17 points in 43 playoff games.

The Wolf Pack (16-7-5-0), who are scheduled to visit the Bridgeport Islanders on Thursday, are currently third in the Atlantic Division, 17 points behind the first-place Hershey Bears.

Anisimov is trying to earn a full pro contract, though he would not be the first veteran to do so starting from a PTO this season. Goaltender Michael Hutchinson began the season without a contract, but his play with the Grand Rapids Griffins led to the team signing him to an AHL deal. However, with injuries in net with the Detroit Red Wings, the 33-year-old ended up signing a league-minimum contract with the Wings.