Kings Welcome Winger Artemi Panarin from the Rangers
Kings Acquire Artemi Panarin in Trade with Rangers
The Los Angeles Kings have secured winger Artemi Panarin from the New York Rangers in exchange for a conditional third-round draft pick and prospect Liam Greentree, according to sources familiar with the transaction. The details of the trade emerged on Wednesday under the condition of anonymity due to the pending formal announcement.
Panarin, who possesses a full no-movement clause, exercised his right to choose Los Angeles as his destination. The Rangers will retain 50% of his $11.6 million salary cap hit, facilitating the move. Should the Kings advance past the first round of the playoffs, the third-round pick will convert to a second-round selection. Additionally, if the Kings reach the Western Conference final, the Rangers will receive a fourth-round pick in 2028.
This acquisition takes one of the most sought-after players off the market well ahead of the March 6 trade deadline, just minutes before the commencement of the Olympic trade freeze. At 34, Panarin has led the Rangers in scoring each season since joining as a free agent in 2019. Recently, he was scratched from the roster for precautionary measures to avoid injury and facilitate ongoing trade discussions. Through 52 games this season, he has recorded 19 goals and 38 assists, totaling 57 points.
Greentree, a 20-year-old winger, was selected in the first round of last year’s draft.
This trade marks a significant shift in the Rangers’ strategy, as General Manager Chris Drury described this move as part of a retooling effort rather than a complete rebuild. In a letter to fans on January 16, Drury emphasized the organization’s commitment to acquiring young talent, draft picks, and salary cap flexibility for the future.
Shifting away from Panarin is a pivotal step in this process, contrasting with the previous trade that sent defenseman Carson Soucy to the New York Islanders for a third-round pick. Drury’s focus on young talent could lead to more significant moves, with players like Vincent Trocheck, who is under contract for three additional seasons, potentially returning a higher value should he also be traded.
