The Los Angeles Kings have pulled off a major trade, acquiring star winger Artemi Panarin from the New York Rangers, as announced on Wednesday. The move follows rumors of trade talk, especially after the Rangers made Panarin a healthy scratch for game-related reasons before their match against the Islanders on January 28.
In return, the Kings sent Liam Greentree, a promising forward and former first-round pick, along with a conditional third-round pick to New York. Additionally, the Rangers agreed to retain half of Panarin’s $11.6 million annual salary. Shortly after the trade was finalized, Los Angeles revealed that Panarin had signed a two-year extension worth $11 million per season, beginning next season and extending through the 2027-28 campaign.
Despite being 34 years old, Panarin continues to be one of the top wingers in the NHL. He currently leads the Rangers with 38 assists and 57 points, adding to his impressive career numbers. Since debuting in the 2015-16 season, Panarin ranks fourth in league assists with 606 and fifth in total points with 927. Just two seasons ago, he was instrumental in guiding the Rangers to a Presidents’ Trophy, tallying 120 points and finishing fifth in Hart Trophy voting.
Panarin’s departure comes as he was in the final year of his contract, which had a cap hit of just over $11.6 million. The Rangers decided to trade him primarily for financial reasons, as they anticipate needing a significant amount of money for his next contract and likely aim to reboot the team. Meanwhile, New York has announced plans for a rebuild to recover from a disappointing 2025-26 season.
With 11 NHL seasons under his belt, Panarin started his professional career signing a two-year deal with the Chicago Blackhawks straight from the Kontinental Hockey League. His rookie season saw him net 30 goals, earning him the Calder Trophy. He kept up this scoring pace the following year before being traded to Columbus in 2017. During his time with Columbus, Panarin set franchise records for assists (59) and points (87) in a single season, and he was a key player in the Blue Jackets’ 2018-19 playoff run, sweeping the Tampa Bay Lightning. A few months later, he signed a blockbuster seven-year deal with the Rangers, finishing his tenure in New York with 205 goals and 402 assists over 482 games.
This trade has major implications for both teams and the league as a whole. It signals a significant shift in the Kings’ roster and indicates their desire to contend with top-tier talent like Panarin, whose skills could boost their offense and power play. Conversely, the Rangers’ move reflects their rebuild philosophy—they received a promising prospect and a conditional pick but might have hoped for a more lucrative return given Panarin’s high profile.
Trade Details:
- Kings receive: Artemi Panarin (50% salary retained)
- Rangers receive: Liam Greentree, future conditional third-round pick
Analyst Ratings:
Los Angeles Kings:
The Kings badly needed offensive firepower, as their scoring has been lacking, with only four teams scoring fewer goals. Panarin’s versatile scoring and playmaking ability could significantly elevate their offensive profile and power play efficiency. His consistent point production over recent seasons makes him a valuable addition, and his experience could be a catalyst for their playoff ambitions. Coach Jim Hiller will need to balance his role to maximize Panarin’s offensive talents within the team’s defensive structure. The Kings made a savvy move here, offering a two-year extension and paying only half of Panarin’s salary, which is a smart investment for a player of his caliber. Grade: A+
New York Rangers:
GM Chris Drury faced a tough challenge, as Panarin held considerable control over where he would be traded. The return of Liam Greentree, a talented young winger, is promising but perhaps not enough given Panarin’s stature. The conditional third-round pick is modest, especially knowing that Panarin, as a high-profile star, might fetch a first- or second-round selection in other scenarios. Without a clear rebuild, this deal leaves the Rangers with some rebuilding pieces but may not fully capitalize on Panarin’s trade value. Overall, it’s a cautious step in a rebuilding phase. Grade: D+
Fan Take: This blockbuster trade underscores how high-stakes NHL transactions can reshape franchise futures and excite fans with new possibilities. For hockey enthusiasts, it’s a reminder that behind every deal is a story of ambition and strategy, fueling the sport’s ever-evolving drama.
