Artemi Panarin’s tenure with the New York Rangers concluded abruptly on Wednesday when he agreed to a trade sending him to the Los Angeles Kings. This move, finalized just before the NHL’s Olympic roster freeze, saw Panarin waive his no-trade clause, enabling the deal. The Kings exchanged forward Liam Greentree, a 2024 first-round draft pick, and a conditional third-round pick that could upgrade to a second-rounder should Los Angeles secure a playoff series win this spring. Additionally, the Rangers will receive a 2028 fourth-round pick if the Kings triumph in a second-round playoff series. Despite the trade, New York will retain half of Panarin’s prorated $11.6 million salary for the remainder of the season.
Why Panarin Chose the Kings Over Other Contenders
Although numerous teams vied for Panarin’s services, the star forward was intent on joining Los Angeles, reportedly planning to sign a two-year contract extension worth $11 million annually. This preference limited the Rangers’ ability to leverage a bidding war, effectively narrowing their negotiating power. At 34 years old, Panarin has not played since January 26 and recently distanced himself from the Rangers amid news from general manager Chris Drury that no contract extension would be offered once his seven-year, $81.5 million deal concludes at season’s end. Panarin had led New York in scoring for seven consecutive seasons, posting 19 goals and 38 assists over 52 games this year.
Rangers’ Leadership Reflects on Panarin’s Impact and Trade Decision
“Artemi’s an incredible player, arguably the best free agent signing in the 100-year history of the franchise,”
said Chris Drury, Rangers general manager, on Wednesday.
“He deserves a chance to win and we wanted to give him that chance as we retool the team. It’s never easy to move a player of Artemi’s caliber, but it’s provided us an opportunity to accumulate valuable assets for the future …
With that no-move [clause], he’s got a lot of control over the situation. As I said, he earned it and deserved it.”
Drury emphasized the difficult nature of trading a player with Panarin’s stature but stressed that the move aligns with the Rangers’ long-term strategy. With the Olympic roster freeze lifting February 22, further adjustments could be on the horizon, including potential trades involving Vincent Trocheck and Braden Schneider before the March 6 deadline. The team recently initiated a shakeup by trading defenseman Carson Soucy to the Islanders for a 2026 third-round pick.
Strategic Shift Aimed at Championship Aspirations
“Our fans deserve a Stanley Cup, not a team just hoping to get in as the last wild card,”
Drury stated.
“So we felt it was best to start this organizational shift sooner than later. That will be the guiding principle of every decision we make as an organization. How does this help us return to [being] a Stanley Cup contender?”
Since Panarin’s arrival in 2019—from back-to-back losing seasons to renewed hope—the Rangers had high expectations. His signing was the largest in franchise history and Panarin validated that by finishing as a Hart Trophy finalist in 2020 and placing fifth in MVP voting in 2024. That season, he accumulated 120 points, ranking second in single-season Rangers history, while propelling the team to the Presidents’ Trophy and its second conference finals appearance in three years.
Panarin’s Impressive Legacy with the Rangers
Over 482 regular-season games, Panarin amassed 607 points, including 205 goals and 402 assists, making him ninth in franchise history. His point-per-game average of 1.26 and assists-per-game of 0.83 remain team records, surpassing legendary players like Wayne Gretzky. Panarin’s playoff performance includes 12 goals and 23 assists in 46 games, highlighted by a memorable overtime goal that won a Game 7 series against the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2022.
Panarin’s Reaction and Next Steps
“It’s hard to say how I feel,”
Panarin commented last month after learning the Rangers would not offer a contract extension.
“I’m still confused, but the GM decided to go in a different direction. I’m OK with that.”
Panarin’s decision to join the Kings opens a new chapter in his career as he seeks success on the West Coast. Meanwhile, the Rangers continue to reshape their roster amid uncertain times, aiming to build a contender capable of competing for the Stanley Cup in the near future.
