Kings Acquire Star Forward Artemi Panarin from Rangers in Blockbuster Trade

The Los Angeles Kings and New York Rangers completed one of the biggest trades of the NHL season on Wednesday, with the Kings acquiring star forward Artemi Panarin in exchange for prospect Liam Greentree and conditional draft picks. As part of the blockbuster deal, Panarin signed a two-year contract extension worth $22 million with an average annual value of $11 million that begins next season.

The trade sees the Rangers send their leading scorer to Los Angeles along with 50% salary retention on Panarin's current $11.6 million cap hit. In return, New York receives highly-touted prospect Liam Greentree, a conditional third-round pick in 2026, and a conditional fourth-round pick in 2028. The move represents a significant shift in direction for the Rangers, who are hastening their roster retool after disappointing playoff performances in recent seasons.

Panarin requested the trade to Los Angeles specifically, utilizing his no-movement clause to dictate his destination. The 34-year-old winger has been outstanding this season, recording 57 points with 19 goals and 38 assists in 52 games for the Rangers. Since joining New York prior to the 2019-20 season, Panarin has been the team's leading scorer every year and established himself as one of the elite playmakers in the NHL.

For the Kings, this acquisition represents an all-in push for captain Anze Kopitar's final season in the league. Los Angeles has been eliminated by the Edmonton Oilers in the first round of the playoffs in each of the past four seasons, and the front office believes adding Panarin's elite offensive abilities gives them the firepower needed to finally break through. The Kings currently sit in playoff position and view Panarin as the missing piece to compete for the Stanley Cup.

NHL EDGE statistics project that the addition of Panarin significantly improves Los Angeles' Stanley Cup Playoff chances. His combination of playmaking vision, offensive creativity, and proven postseason experience addresses the Kings' primary weakness: generating consistent high-danger scoring chances against elite defensive teams. Panarin's ability to create space and set up teammates should complement the Kings' defensive structure and goaltending strength.

The trade occurred during the NHL's Olympic break for the 2026 Winter Games in Milano Cortina, providing both teams time to integrate their new roster configurations before league play resumes. Fantasy hockey analysts suggest that Panarin's production could increase playing alongside the Kings' top offensive talent, while Rangers fans now turn their attention to how Greentree and the draft picks will factor into the team's rebuilding timeline.