The NHL trade market just exploded! Discover how the Kings trade for Rangers’ Artemi Panarin transforms Los Angeles into a Stanley Cup favorite and what the Rangers get in return.
The NHL landscape just shifted toward the West Coast in a massive way. In a move that has stunned hockey analysts and fans alike, the Los Angeles Kings have officially gone “all-in.” By pulling the trigger on a blockbuster deal, the Kings trade for Rangers’ Artemi Panarin signals the end of the rebuilding era in L.A. and the start of a legitimate championship window.
Kings Trade for Rangers’ Artemi Panarin: Deal Breakdown
| Feature | Details |
| Primary Asset | Artemi Panarin (Forward) |
| Return to NYR | Liam Greentree (Prospect) + Conditional Picks |
| Salary Retention | Rangers retain 50% ($5.8M cap hit for LAK) |
| Extension | 2-year deal, $11,000,000 AAV (thru 2027-28) |
| Draft Capital | Conditional 3rd (2026) & 4th (2028) |
A New Era in the City of Angels
The news that the Kings trade for Rangers’ Artemi Panarin is a game-changer for a franchise tired of first-round exits. For four consecutive seasons, the Kings have fallen to the Edmonton Oilers in the opening round. By adding an elite offensive “machine” like Panarin, General Manager Ken Holland is providing captain Anze Kopitar with the ultimate weapon for his final professional season.
Panarin isn’t just a goal scorer; he’s a playmaker who creates space and time for everyone on the ice. In a division as tight as the Pacific, having a player who can take over a game in the offensive zone is the difference between a wild card spot and a deep playoff run.
Why Panarin Chose Los Angeles
While teams like Carolina, Tampa Bay, and Washington were all reportedly interested, the Kings trade for Rangers’ Artemi Panarin happened because L.A. was the player’s top choice. Panarin used his no-movement clause to navigate the market, ultimately deciding that the lifestyle and competitive roster in Southern California were the perfect fit for his next chapter.
Because the Russian national team remains banned from international play, Panarin will not be traveling to the Milano 2026 Olympics. Instead, he will spend the three-week break acclimating to his new home and learning the Kings’ systems, ensuring he is ready to go when NHL games resume on February 25.
The Cost of Greatness: Liam Greentree
You don’t acquire a superstar without giving up something significant. To make the Kings trade for Rangers’ Artemi Panarin a reality, L.A. had to part with Liam Greentree, widely considered the top prospect in their organization. Greentree, a high-skill power forward selected in the 2024 draft, represents the future that the Rangers are now building toward.
Additionally, the trade includes complex conditions on draft picks. If the Kings win a playoff round this year, New York’s third-round pick upgrades to a second-rounder. If L.A. wins two rounds, the Rangers gain an additional fourth-round pick in 2028. It is a steep price, but for a team looking to compete “now,” it’s a calculated risk.
Fitting Into the Kings’ System
One question on everyone’s mind is how a crafty, high-octane winger fits into the Kings’ structured, defensive style. Ken Holland noted that while the team won’t change its identity, Panarin will have “freedom in the O-zone.” The Kings trade for Rangers’ Artemi Panarin is meant to fix a specific problem: a lack of high-end scoring in big moments.
The Rangers are retaining 50% of his salary this season, making his cap hit a manageable $5.8 million. This financial flexibility allows the Kings to keep their core intact while adding a player who has led the Rangers in scoring for five of the past six seasons. It is truly the “best of both worlds” for a championship-starved fan base.
Conclusion
The trade deadline is still weeks away, but the Kings trade for Rangers’ Artemi Panarin will likely stand as the biggest move of the year. For the Rangers, it is a necessary step in a difficult retool. For the Kings, it is a declaration of war on the rest of the Western Conference. As we head into the Olympic break, one thing is certain: hockey in Los Angeles just got a whole lot more exciting.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What did the Kings give up in the Panarin trade?
The Kings traded prospect Liam Greentree, a conditional 2026 third-round pick, and a conditional 2028 fourth-round pick to the Rangers.
2. How much of Panarin’s salary are the Rangers keeping?
The Rangers are retaining 50% of his current salary, which lowers his cap hit for the Los Angeles Kings to just $5.8 million for the rest of this season.
3. Did Panarin sign an extension with Los Angeles?
Yes, as part of the deal, he signed a two-year extension worth $11 million per year, keeping him in L.A. through the 2027-28 season.
4. Why isn’t Panarin going to the 2026 Olympics?
Since the IIHF has maintained its ban on the Russian national team, Panarin and other Russian stars are ineligible for the games in Milan.
5. When will Panarin play his first game for the Kings?
While the Kings trade for Rangers’ Artemi Panarin is official, he is expected to make his debut when the NHL schedule resumes on February 25, 2026.
