Artemi Panarin's Journey: From Rangers to Kings

After six and a half seasons of stellar performance with the New York Rangers, Artemi Panarin is heading to Los Angeles following a significant trade. The Rangers have dealt Panarin to the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for a conditional third-round pick and prospect Liam Greentree, as reported by ESPN insiders Adam Schefter and Emily Kaplan.

Financial Details of the Trade

As part of the deal, the Rangers retained half of Panarin’s hefty $11.64 million annual salary, a critical factor in making this trade feasible for the Kings. This move aligns with the Rangers' broader strategy to retool their roster while maximizing their return on key assets, including the beloved Panarin.

Extension with the Kings

Shortly after the trade, Panarin and the Kings agreed to a two-year contract extension worth an annual average value of $11 million. This financial commitment indicates the Kings’ desire to solidify their roster with a player of Panarin's caliber, ensuring that they have a proven offensive threat locked in for the next few seasons.

Panarin's Remarkable Tenure with the Rangers

Artemi Panarin, who turned 34 in October, was previously poised to enter unrestricted free agency as his seven-year, $81.5 million contract was set to expire this spring. Over his time with the Rangers, Panarin established himself as their most consistent offensive producer. In the 2025-26 season alone, Panarin led his team with 57 points in just 52 games, maintaining an impressive scoring pace of 1.28 points per game over his entire tenure.

The Rangers' Rebuilding Strategy

The decision to trade Panarin follows a letter from Rangers general manager Chris Drury to fans, where he indicated a strategy shift focused on rebuilding around core players and incoming prospects. Drury had reportedly met with Panarin before announcing this shift to inform him that the Rangers would not extend his contract. It appears that the Rangers are determined to leverage their remaining assets to build a stronger and more competitive team.

What is Next for the Rangers?

In parting with Panarin, the Rangers believe they acquired one of the best prospects available in Liam Greentree, who was a first-round pick in the 2024 draft. Greentree has shown considerable promise during his tenure as captain of the OHL's Windsor Spitfires, racking up an impressive 45 points in 34 games this season, with hopes that a successful finishing season in the OHL could catapult him to the NHL level sooner rather than later.

Panarin’s Impact Across the League

Throughout his career, Panarin has made significant waves in the NHL, becoming a key player after making his debut with the Chicago Blackhawks back in 2015. He developed into a star while playing alongside Patrick Kane, before a trade sent him to the Columbus Blue Jackets, where he continued to shine. His move to the Rangers in 2019 solidified his status, and he quickly became the NHL’s highest-paid winger, earning an $11.64 million AAV under a deal signed during the Rangers’ rebuilding phase.

Looking Ahead

The Rangers' recent restructuring, including the trades of established players like Kakko and Trouba amid a struggling start to the 2024-25 season, has resulted in a noticeable shift in team dynamics. Despite efforts to bring in new talent, including center J.T. Miller and head coach Mike Sullivan, the absence of key players like star goaltender Igor Shesterkin and top defender Adam Fox has hampered the Rangers' performance. The hope is that the trade of Panarin, while undoubtedly a loss, will facilitate the return of talented prospects that can help the franchise navigate its new chapter.

Concluding Thoughts

As the Los Angeles Kings welcome Artemi Panarin, the narrative shifts not only for him but also for a Rangers team focused on a strategic rebuild. The next few seasons will be pivotal for both franchises, as the Kings look to bolster their own playoff aspirations with the addition of a proven talent, while the Rangers retool their roster for future competitiveness. Panarin leaves behind a legacy marked by remarkable scoring and consistent excellence, but in the world of sports, change is often the only constant.