Bauer Bread Once Again?

Artemi Panarin, affectionately known as the "Breadman" by fans, has long been one of the NHL’s most electrifying offensive players. From his breakout rookie season with the Chicago Blackhawks to his current status as a cornerstone for the New York Rangers, Panarin has always been a player worth watching. But this season, his performance on the ice isn’t the only thing turning heads—his equipment choices are raising eyebrows as well. As Panarin gears up for the 2024-25 season, there’s increasing speculation that he could be making a return to a more Bauer focused equipment setup, something he hasn’t done since his earliest days in the league.

 

When Panarin first debuted in the NHL in 2015 with the Chicago Blackhawks, he was mostly decked out in Bauer gear. Gloves, skates, helmet, and pants were all Bauer. From a stick perspective though, Panarin opted for CCM's Ribcor Reckoner model at the time. Over the next few years, however, Panarin’s gear setup began to vary. He switched to CCM skates and was occasionally spotted wearing Warrior gloves, leading to an eclectic mix of brands in his setup.

 

By the time Panarin reached the 2018-19 season with the Columbus Blue Jackets, it appeared that he had fully committed to CCM gear. He was sporting CCM helmets, gloves, skates, pants and stick—a head-to-toe look that suggested some form of partnership or sponsorship agreement with the brand. Panarin, always the superstar, was a prime candidate for any equipment company to showcase, and it made sense that CCM would want to lock him in for the long term.

 

However, fast forward to the 2021-22 season with the New York Rangers, and Panarin started making subtle moves back to Bauer, particularly with his choice of stick. That season, he began showing off Bauer’s Vapor HyperLite stick, one of the company’s newest and most advanced models. The Vapor line is known for its lightweight construction and quick-release capabilities—attributes that align perfectly with Panarin’s style of play. Though his gloves, skates, and pants remained CCM, the introduction of a Bauer stick hinted at a potential shift back to his old brand of choice.

 

Now, as the 2024-25 season is underway, the conversation around Panarin’s equipment choices is louder than ever. The Russian superstar has started the season with Bauer’s Re-Akt 150 helmet, a significant move given that, in the past, Panarin had tested Bauer helmets during preseason games, only to revert to CCM once the regular season began. The Re-Akt 150 helmet offers top-tier protection and comfort, and is one of the most popular helmets across the entire National Hockey League.

 

This latest shift has fueled speculation that Panarin may be on the verge of returning to a full Bauer setup. While he continues to wear CCM gloves, pants, and skates, the switch to this new lid could be an indicator of a larger move on the horizon. The idea of a new partnership with Bauer is certainly intriguing. Players, especially high-profile stars like Panarin, often sign deals with equipment companies, and it wouldn’t be surprising if Bauer were attempting to reel in one of the game’s premier playmakers.

 

Equipment enthusiasts and fans alike are now keeping a close eye on Panarin’s choices throughout the season. Will we see him in Bauer gloves and skates by midseason? Could this be the beginning of a new sponsorship deal with Bauer? Only time will tell, but the intrigue surrounding Panarin’s gear decisions has certainly added an extra layer of excitement for those who love the minutiae of hockey equipment.

 

No matter what gear he’s using, Panarin hasn’t lost a step on the ice. In a few days he will turn 33 years old, but the Rangers winger is still putting up points at an elite pace. With eleven points in just four games to start the season, Panarin continues to be a force for the Broadway Blueshirts. Whether he’s wearing Bauer, CCM, or any other brand, one thing remains clear: Artemi Panarin is as dynamic as ever, and Rangers fans have every reason to be excited about what he’ll bring to the ice this year. His equipment journey will be a fascinating subplot to follow, but his performance remains the main event.

Photo Credit: Icon Sportswire