Rangers Complete Blockbuster Trade Sending Artemi Panarin to Kings in Stunning Deal

The New York Rangers completed one of the most significant trades of the NHL season, sending superstar forward Artemi Panarin to the Los Angeles Kings in exchange for top prospect Liam Greentree, a conditional third-round pick in 2026, and a conditional fourth-round pick in 2028. Panarin, who has been one of the league's elite players during his seven-year tenure with the Rangers, immediately signed a two-year contract extension with the Kings worth $22 million, carrying an average annual value of $11 million that begins with the 2026-27 season.

The trade represents a dramatic shift in direction for the Rangers, who announced last month that they were entering a retool after a disappointing first half of the season. General manager Chris Drury met with Panarin in January and informed the 34-year-old forward that the team would not be extending a new contract when he becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer. The Rangers began preparing to move on from their star player on January 16, when Drury released a letter to the fanbase announcing the roster retool. Panarin was first scratched for roster management purposes on January 28, signaling that a trade was imminent.

Panarin played a significant role in determining his destination, telling the Rangers that Los Angeles was where he wanted to go. His contract carried a no-movement clause, giving him and his agent full control over the trade process. The Kings emerged as the ideal landing spot for the Russian winger, who joins a team going all-in for captain Anze Kopitar's final season in the NHL. Los Angeles has been eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Edmonton Oilers in each of the past four seasons, and the addition of Panarin represents a major statement of intent from the Kings' front office.

The conditional picks in the trade are tied to the Kings' playoff success. If Los Angeles wins a playoff series, the 2026 third-round pick becomes a second-round pick. If the Kings advance past two rounds, they will also send an additional fourth-round pick to New York. These conditions reflect the Rangers' belief that Panarin can be the difference-maker who pushes the Kings deeper into the playoffs, potentially even to a Stanley Cup championship. The trade is currently on hold during the NHL's Olympic break, as the season has paused for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina.

For the Rangers, the return of Liam Greentree represents an investment in their future. Greentree is considered one of the top prospects in the Kings' organization and gives New York a young asset to build around as they navigate their retool. The conditional draft picks provide additional ammunition for Drury to continue reshaping the roster. The Rangers are clearly positioning themselves for long-term success rather than short-term contention, a difficult but necessary decision for an organization with championship aspirations.

Panarin's departure marks the end of a remarkable era in New York. Since signing with the Rangers as a free agent in 2019, he has been one of the team's most productive and popular players, consistently ranking among the league leaders in points and serving as a key offensive catalyst. His playmaking ability, hockey IQ, and scoring touch made him a fan favorite at Madison Square Garden. Now, he'll look to bring those same qualities to Los Angeles as the Kings make a final push for glory with their veteran core. The trade ranks as one of the biggest moves ahead of what promises to be an active trade deadline when the NHL season resumes after the Olympic break.