The Los Angeles Kings acquired Artemi Panarin from the New York Rangers in a trade finalized shortly after the Olympic break, aiming to address their scoring difficulties. Panarin, who had influence over his destination, chose the Kings, though he has yet to appear in a game for his new team. The Kings are adjusting their strategy to maximize his offensive skills.
Jim Hiller, head coach of the Kings, shared after a recent practice that they intend to let Panarin maintain his natural playing style while integrating him into their defensive system.
“He’ll come in and do what we do but we’re not going to strip him of what he does, we have to be careful in that,” Hiller said. “He’s going to do his thing. I’ve talked to him enough. I’ve seen him play. He’s going to integrate himself into what he has to do defensively, but he’s going to have to just be who he is.”
— Jim Hiller, Los Angeles Kings Head Coach
Panarin’s Role Grows as Kings Struggle to Find Consistent Scoring
Before the Olympic break, the Kings were struggling offensively, averaging only 2.54 goals per game, which ranked tied for third-worst in the NHL, matching the last-place Vancouver Canucks. Standing just three points shy of the third spot in the Pacific Division and outside the Wild Card place in the Western Conference, the team urgently needed to enhance its attack to keep playoff hopes alive.
Panarin’s preference for the Kings influenced the Rangers’ decision to complete the trade, which cost Los Angeles prospect Liam Greentree and a conditional third-round draft pick in 2026. This clear desire from Panarin to join the Kings reflects his commitment to making an immediate impact.
During practice sessions, Panarin has been placed on the left wing alongside center Alex Laferriere, with Taylor Ward presently occupying the right wing. However, once Adrian Kempe returns post-Olympics, he is expected to fill that right wing spot, a pairing that suits Panarin’s play style.
Sounds like Panarin had some input here, based on what Jim Hiller said after today’s practice. Panarin is a RH shot on the left wing and likes a left-shot winger on the right wing, because he likes to make cross-ice passes. Makes Kempe the natural fit.
— Zach Dooley, Los Angeles Kings Official Website
Leadership on Power Play and Team Impact
The Kings are entrusting Panarin with leading their top power play unit from the left side, underscoring how highly they value his offensive talent even before his first game with the team. Immediate after acquiring him, Los Angeles locked him in with a two-year, $22 million contract extension.
Panarin’s role has become more critical following a season-ending injury to Kevin Fiala, who suffered multiple leg fractures while representing Switzerland during the Winter Olympics group stage match against Canada.
In the current season, Panarin has registered 19 goals and 38 assists over 52 games. While his production is below his usual standard, this dip is partly due to the Rangers’ overall struggles and the trade negotiations leading up to the Olympic roster freeze, during which he was held back from playing.
With the Kings needing offensive reinforcement, Panarin’s arrival and the freedom to play to his strengths could be pivotal in turning around their scoring woes and maintaining their playoff pursuits.
Sounds like Panarin had some input here, based on what Jim Hiller said after today's practice.
Panarin is a RH shot on the left wing and likes a left-shot winger on the right wing, because he likes to make cross-ice passes. Makes Kempe the natural fit. https://t.co/jXlJM9DxwN
— Zach Dooley (@DooleyLAK) February 18, 2026
