The LA Kings have completed a blockbuster trade by acquiring forward Artemi Panarin from the New York Rangers on February 11, 2025. In return, the Kings sent forward prospect Liam Greentree along with two conditional draft picks to New York. The Rangers will retain 50 percent of Panarin’s salary, keeping his cap hit under $6 million for this season. Panarin has also agreed to a two-year contract extension with the Kings, carrying an average annual value (AAV) of $11 million through the end of the 2027-28 season. This move marks a significant upgrade for the Kings as they bolster their offensive lineup.
Immediate Impact Expected from Panarin’s Arrival
Artemi Panarin, who waived his no-movement clause specifically to join Los Angeles, is considered one of the top players available on the market. His offensive capabilities are highly anticipated to fill a gap for the Kings, who have struggled with scoring. His addition is expected to elevate the team’s performance both at even strength and on the power play, areas that have been in need of improvement. Panarin brings a proven track record of offensive impact that the Kings have long sought.
Many analysts predicted a steep price for Panarin, but the Kings managed to acquire him by parting with Greentree—a top prospect from their pool—and two conditional draft picks that could upgrade to as high as a second-round pick depending on postseason success. The terms are tied to the Kings winning playoff rounds, with escalating draft compensation if they advance beyond the first round. The fact that Panarin personally indicated the Kings as his preferred destination helped lower the cost of the trade, given his leverage as an unrestricted free agent with a full no-movement clause.
Trade Details and Contract Extension Agreement
According to reports from Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, Panarin’s extension with the Kings spans two seasons at $11 million per year. This is a strategic signing considering the Kings’ considerable salary-cap space, which has been freed up by upcoming cap raises and the expiration of veteran Anze Kopitar’s contract. The extension is regarded as favorable for the Kings, providing them with a talent of Panarin’s caliber at a relatively discounted rate compared to earlier projections that anticipated a $14 million AAV.
The Kings General Manager Ken Holland addressed the media ahead of a game at Crypto.com Arena to provide insight into the trade. Holland outlined expectations around when Panarin might join the active roster, highlighting that while it was unlikely Panarin would play immediately, he could potentially debut in the subsequent game against Vegas. Bringing him to the team before the roster freeze is viewed as an important step to allow for acclimation during the team’s practice sessions resuming February 18.
Comparing the Trade’s Value and Strategic Upside
From a salary-cap perspective, acquiring Panarin with 50% salary retention essentially equates to the cost of previous forward Phillip Danault on the Kings’ books. In the transaction, the Kings parted with Danault, Greentree, and conditional draft selections to bring in Panarin and a guaranteed second-round pick. Panarin’s career statistics are impressive, including 927 NHL points over 804 games with a consistent point-per-game pace, making the trade an upgrade in talent and draft positioning for the Kings.
Ken Holland and his staff deserve recognition for engineering what many believe is one of the franchise’s best deals in recent memory, highlighting the organizational commitment to rebuilding around offensive stars.
Veteran Profile: Artemi Panarin’s Career Highlights and Contributions
At 34 years old, Artemi Panarin arrives in Los Angeles as a seasoned NHL veteran with an 11-season career spanning the New York Rangers, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Chicago Blackhawks. Over 804 regular-season games, Panarin has amassed 321 goals and 606 assists, totaling 927 points with a 1.15 points-per-game average. He has contributed significantly in clutch moments, with 50 game-winning goals and 77 power-play goals, alongside a positive plus-minus rating of +131.
Panarin stands out statistically among active players, ranking fifth for point-per-game average among those who have played at least 800 games. Notably, he is the only active undrafted NHL player with more than 300 goals. His playoff experience includes 73 Stanley Cup contests, where he recorded 21 goals and 61 points, showcasing his ability to perform on the big stage.
Panarin’s Recent Seasons and Role with the New York Rangers
Since joining the Rangers ahead of the 2019-20 season, Panarin has led the team across multiple offensive categories, including goals (205), assists (402), and total points (607). He also leads in even-strength goals (158) and points (404) as well as power-play points (202). His consistent leadership was evident in ice time metrics, ranking first on the team in both even-strength and power-play minutes per game. Additionally, he is second among the Rangers in takeaways and penalties drawn, underlining his well-rounded game.
During the 2024-25 NHL season, Panarin appeared in 52 games, tallying 19 goals and 38 assists for 57 points, marking his 11th consecutive season scoring at least 50 points. He led the Rangers in assists, points, and shots, while his 19 goals ranked second on the team.
Early Career Success and International Achievements
Artemi Panarin began his NHL journey in 2015-16 with the Chicago Blackhawks, immediately making his mark by leading all rookies in goals (30), assists (47), and points (77). His rookie campaign also earned him the Calder Memorial Trophy and a spot on the NHL All-Rookie Team. Panarin quickly proved valuable in the playoffs, scoring seven points in his first Stanley Cup postseason appearance.
His standout season came in 2023-24, when he was among just four players in the NHL to surpass the 120-point threshold, reaching personal bests across goals (37), assists (52), and points (120), helping guide the Rangers to their fourth President’s Trophy.
Internationally, Panarin has represented Russia in multiple tournaments, including three IIHF Men’s World Championships, where he earned two bronze medals and one silver. He also contributed at the IIHF Men’s World Junior Championship with a gold medal in 2011 and competed in the 2017 World Cup of Hockey. His top international performance came during the 2017 World Junior Championship, where he led the tournament in assists and points and earned accolades as Best Forward and selection to the All-Star Team.
Next Steps and Integration into the Kings Lineup
With Panarin now part of the Kings’ roster ahead of the roster freeze, the team aims to integrate him fully before games resume after the upcoming break. Practice sessions beginning February 18 will provide the opportunity for Panarin to build chemistry with his new teammates and assimilate into the coaching system. This integration period is crucial for maximizing his impact once he begins playing regular-season games with the Kings.
General Manager Ken Holland’s prompt action in securing this trade highlights the organization’s ambition to return to playoff contention by adding a high-caliber offensive talent who can drive scoring and elevate overall team play. Given the conditions tied to the draft picks, the trade also carries mutual upside—a deep playoff run by the Kings would increase the draft compensation, reflecting the high stakes involved.
“The LA Kings have acquired forward Artemi Panarin from the New York Rangers in exchange for forward Liam Greentree, a conditional third round pick in the 2026 NHL Draft and a conditional fourth round pick in the 2028 NHL Draft. The Rangers retain 50% of Panarin’s contract through the 2025-26 season. In addition, Panarin agreed to terms on a two-year contract worth an average annual value (AAV) of $11,000,000 through the 2027-28 season.” – Team Release
“Panarin, 34, has skated in 52 games for the Rangers this season, recording 19 goals and 38 assists as part of his 11th consecutive 50-point campaign (19-38=57) with 17 even-strength goals, three game-winning goals, two power-play goals, 158 shots and 14 penalty minutes (PIM). His 38 helpers, 57 points and 158 shots pace all Rangers skaters while his 19 goals rank second-most on the team.” – Team Release
“Since joining the Rangers ahead of the 2019-20 season, Panarin’s 205 goals, 402 assists, 607 points (205-402=607), 158 even-strength goals, 404 even-strength points and 202 power-play points pace all Rangers skaters while ranking second in overtime goals (3) and shots (1,394), and third in power-play goals (47) and overtime goals (25).” – Team Release
