Artem Anisimov Talks Off-Season with the NYRangerscast

After averaging over a point per game in the AHL last season, Rangers’ prospect Artem Anisimov is primed to make the jump to the NHL this season. Currently training in Russia, Anisimov was gracious enough to take a few minutes to talk with us about his off-season so far and his chances of making the team out of camp. 

Q: What has this summer been like for you? What have you done and what do you plan on doing before coming back to America in September?

ANISIMOV: Before training I simply rested, hung out with my relatives and friends, and went house hunting with my girlfriend. In the beginning of June I started my training in the gym and jogged. The Rangers gave me a special training program which I am using to prepare for the season. I want to come to training camp at my maximum level of preparation.

John Tortorella has been talking about Rangers players having to be better conditioned next season then they were last year. What are you doing to prepare for what’s sure to be a very tough training camp?

I am training intensively, working on my form on the ice and in the gym. In the gym I do various types of weight training and besides that I am constantly jogging. Also, I swim five times a week and try to play tennis as often as possible.

You had a great season in the American Hockey League last year. Do you feel you are ready to make the jump to the NHL?

Last season was very successful for me. I was flattered to be invited to the all-star game. That was my first time participating in something like that. I received good experience playing North American hockey last year. I played 80 games for Hartford, scoring 81 points which, in my opinion, is a good indicator. I have been living in the U.S. for two years now and I feel that I have gained enough experience. I understand the style of North American hockey and I like it very much. I now feel I have the strength to play in the NHL.

You got a little taste of the NHL last season, playing in one regular season game and one playoff game. Do you think that experience will help you as you try to make the Rangers this season?

The first game in the regular season against Atlanta gave me tremendous experience. After that game I was sent back to the farm club, but I understood what I had to work on and what my goals were.

As for the playoff game with Washington, I cannot describe it in words. After these two games I truly knew what it meant to play in the NHL. It was a priceless experience which I am hoping will help me.

Finally Artem, tell Ranger fans what the best aspect of your game is? Shooting, passing, skating or something else?

I keep working on all the components of my game since I need all of them on the ice. After each practice, I stay on the ice working on my shooting and when I participate in the drills I try to accurately make passes. I still have to improve my skating. But if I had to isolate the best part of my game, it would probably be passing.

Thanks to Artem Anisimov for agreeing to do this interview and thank you everybody who sent in questions for him. Also a special thanks goes out to Ella Kishelova and Mike & Igor Tarnow for helping to translate the interview for us.