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Artemi Panarin Traded to Los Angeles Kings; Signs Two-Year Extension

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Rangers Trade Artemi Panarin to Kings; Player Signs Extension

Winger Artemi Panarin has been traded by the New York Rangers to the Los Angeles Kings. The transaction, finalized on Wednesday, saw the Rangers receive prospect Liam Greentree and conditional draft picks. Following the trade, Panarin signed a two-year contract extension with the Kings. This move aligns with the Rangers' announced strategy to retool their roster.

Trade Details Unveiled

The New York Rangers traded Artemi Panarin to the Los Angeles Kings. In return, the Rangers acquired forward prospect Liam Greentree and a conditional third-round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. The draft pick is subject to conditions: it will upgrade to a second-round selection if the Kings win one playoff round this season, and a fourth-round pick in the 2028 NHL Draft will also be included if Los Angeles wins two playoff rounds.

Upon joining the Kings, Panarin signed a two-year contract extension valued at $22 million, carrying an average annual value (AAV) of $11 million, effective beginning next season. The Rangers will retain 50 percent of Panarin's remaining cap hit for the current season, amounting to $5.82 million. Panarin utilized his full no-movement clause (NMC) to approve the trade to the Kings.

Rangers' Rationale: A Retooling Phase

The trade is consistent with the New York Rangers' stated organizational shift to a "retooling" phase. Rangers President and General Manager Chris Drury announced this plan in a public letter to the fan base on January 16, indicating the team's intention to get "younger and inject more skill and speed into our lineup while maintaining flexibility." Drury had previously informed Panarin that the team would not offer him a contract extension.

Rangers President and General Manager Chris Drury announced this plan in a public letter to the fan base on January 16, indicating the team's intention to get "younger and inject more skill and speed into our lineup while maintaining flexibility."

Prior to the trade, the Rangers held last place in the Eastern Conference standings with a record of 22-28-6. They were 17 points behind the Islanders for third place in the Metropolitan Division and 18 points behind the Boston Bruins for the second wild card spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Rangers coach Mike Sullivan described the decision not to extend Panarin as "big-picture decision making" regarding the team's short and long-term direction.

Rangers coach Mike Sullivan described the decision not to extend Panarin as "big-picture decision making" regarding the team's short and long-term direction.

The Rangers had previously traded defenseman Carson Soucy to the Islanders.

Panarin's Impactful Tenure in New York

Artemi Panarin, 34, was in the final year of a seven-year, $81.5 million contract (with an $11.64 million AAV) that he signed with the Rangers on July 1, 2019. This season, he led the Rangers with 57 points (19 goals, 38 assists) through 52 games. He had been the team's leading scorer in every season since joining in 2019-20.

Over his 482 career games with the Rangers, Panarin accumulated 607 points (205 goals, 402 assists), ranking ninth in franchise history and holding the franchise record for points per game (1.26). He placed in the top five for Hart Trophy voting twice. In the 2022-23 season, he recorded 49 goals and 120 points, the second-highest single-season total in Rangers history. He also contributed 35 points in 46 playoff games for New York.

Panarin was held out of the lineup starting January 28, missing three subsequent games for "roster management purposes" ahead of the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 roster freeze, which began on February 4. Panarin had commented on the situation, stating he was "confused" but "OK with" the General Manager's decision to "go in a different direction."

Panarin had commented on the situation, stating he was "confused" but "OK with" the General Manager's decision to "go in a different direction."

He had been granted permission to discuss contract extensions with interested teams prior to any trade. While multiple league sources indicated his preference for an East Coast team, Western Conference contenders were also reportedly considered.

Los Angeles Kings Bolster Offense

The Kings acquired Panarin to bolster their offense and support their ongoing push for a fifth consecutive playoff appearance. The team currently ranks third in the NHL for goals against per game (2.72) but 28th in offense (2.57 goals per game) and has a 15.6% power-play success rate. Panarin's 57 points this season would have made him the Kings' leading scorer.

Kings coach Jim Hiller is tasked with integrating Panarin into the lineup, a move that could potentially benefit players such as Adrian Kempe and Quinton Byfield. The acquisition signals General Manager Ken Holland's immediate focus on winning, potentially deferring a team retool. This strategy is also viewed in the context of captain Anze Kopitar's impending retirement and Drew Doughty's contract nearing its conclusion.

Player Profiles

Artemi Panarin

  • A 34-year-old winger, Panarin had 19 goals and 57 points in 52 games this season before the trade.
  • He holds the Rangers' franchise record for points per game (1.26) and was the team's leading scorer for all five seasons he played in New York.

Liam Greentree

  • Greentree is a 20-year-old prospect who was selected by the Kings as the 26th pick in the 2024 NHL Draft.
  • He currently plays for the Windsor Spitfires in the OHL, where he has recorded 23 goals and 45 points in 34 games this season.
  • He is projected by some scouts as a middle-of-the-lineup player.

Off-Ice Incidents

In 2024, Artemi Panarin and Madison Square Garden Sports reportedly made financial settlements with a Rangers employee who alleged sexual assault. Panarin did not comment on these reports.

In 2021, Panarin took a personal leave following claims published in a Russian newspaper regarding a 2011 physical altercation with a woman. The Rangers issued a statement denying the allegations, characterizing them as an "intimidation tactic" related to Panarin's outspoken political views, specifically his support for Alexei Navalny.