Artemi Panarin Moves to Los Angeles

In a significant shake-up in the NHL, Artemi Panarin is set to don the Los Angeles Kings jersey, marking the end of his six-and-a-half-year tenure with the New York Rangers. The Rangers traded Panarin in exchange for forward Liam Greentree, as well as conditional third and fourth-round picks for the 2026 and 2028 drafts, respectively.

The deal not only signifies a shift for Panarin but also marks a new chapter for both franchises as they navigate their respective futures. According to Hockey Insider Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, the Kings and Panarin have agreed to a two-year contract extension with an average annual value of $11 million. This is a notable development for Panarin, who turned 34 in October, as he was initially on the verge of hitting unrestricted free agency.

Conditional Picks and Salary Retention

In a strategic move to facilitate the trade, the Rangers agreed to retain half of Panarin's salary, which is $11.64 million, according to Frank Seravalli. This retention provides the Kings with financial flexibility, allowing them to fit Panarin's contract into their salary cap while acquiring a high-caliber player who has consistently produced throughout his career.

While the Florida Panthers were initially seen as Panarin's preferred trade destination, discussions eventually shifted, with teams such as the Carolina Hurricanes, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Washington Capitals also expressing interest. Ultimately, it was the Kings who secured his services, potentially adding a franchise player to their roster.

The Future of Liam Greentree

Liam Greentree, just 20 years old, stood out as a first-round pick in the 2024 NHL Draft and spent the last three seasons as the captain of the Windsor Spitfires in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). This season, Greentree has excelled, tallying 45 points in 34 games, a testament to his offensive prowess. With an 119-point OHL season behind him, he will look to leverage this momentum into a successful career, potentially making his NHL debut in the near future with the Rangers.

Rangers' Strategic Retooling

The timing of the trade comes shortly after Rangers general manager Chris Drury communicated a vision for a “retool” centered around the franchise’s core players and prospects. In a letter to fans dated January 16, Drury expressed his commitment to reshaping the team and informed Panarin that his expiring contract would not be extended. This decision comes in light of the Rangers' struggles and a desire to revitalize the roster by bringing in new talent.

Despite leading the Rangers with 57 points in 52 games during the current 2025-26 campaign, Panarin's tenure was embroiled with questions of consistency and overall team performance. His one-point-per-game average through his six seasons contributed to 550 points, ranking him among the league's elite scorers.

Panarin’s Accomplishments with the Rangers

Panarin’s career with the Rangers has been impressive, characterized by his status as the highest-paid winger when he was signed in 2019 for $11.64 million AAV. This signing coincided with the procurement of other key players, fundamentally changing the Rangers' trajectory. He was instrumental in securing playoff appearances, particularly when the Rangers made it to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2022 and 2024.

Despite these accomplishments, the franchise has yet to capture the elusive Stanley Cup. Now, with a fresh direction post-trade, the Rangers aim to build a more competitive team, utilizing the assets gained in the exchange for Panarin.

Historical Context and Impact

Panarin began his NHL journey in 2015 with the Chicago Blackhawks, solidifying himself in the league alongside superstar Patrick Kane. His subsequent trade to the Columbus Blue Jackets allowed him to further develop his skills before landing a lucrative contract with the Rangers. His remarkable consistency and scoring ability have kept him in discussions as one of the top forwards in the league.

Panarin's departure from the Rangers not only clears a significant salary cap space but also offers the opportunity for a younger player like Greentree to step into a prominent role in the Rangers system. As both teams look forward to their new chapters, the ramifications of this trade will echo throughout the NHL.

Conclusion

The trade of Artemi Panarin to the Los Angeles Kings signifies a crucial moment for both franchises. As the Rangers look to retool their roster and bring in new momentum, the Kings aim to bolster their offense with a proven scorer. The next two years will be pivotal for Panarin in Los Angeles, as he seeks to make an impactful contribution while ensuring his legacy continues in this new stage of his career. For the Rangers, the focus now shifts to developing young talents like Liam Greentree as they plot their path back to prominence within the league.