Kings Make Big Splash, Land Star Winger Artemi Panarin From Rangers
In one of the biggest moves of the NHL season, the Los Angeles Kings have acquired star winger Artemi Panarin from the New York Rangers, immediately boosting their offensive firepower as they push toward the playoffs.
The Kings sent top prospect Liam Greentree along with a conditional third-round pick to New York in exchange for the veteran scorer. Shortly after completing the trade, Los Angeles secured Panarin’s future by signing him to a two-year, $22 million extension that will keep him with the club through the 2027-28 season.
A Major Offensive Upgrade for Los Angeles
Panarin arrives in Los Angeles as one of the NHL’s most consistent offensive players. The 34-year-old had recorded 57 points in 52 games this season before the trade and has been the Rangers’ leading scorer in each of the past seven seasons.
For a Kings team that has struggled to generate offense, the addition is significant. Los Angeles entered the move near the bottom of the league in both goals scored and power-play efficiency, making Panarin’s elite playmaking and scoring ability a critical boost.
Over the past five seasons, Panarin ranks among the NHL’s top scorers with 156 goals and 298 assists, and he has produced more than a point per game in nine straight seasons.
Rangers Continue Roster Reset
The trade marks another major step in New York’s retooling process. The Rangers, currently near the bottom of the standings, are focused on adding young talent, draft capital, and salary-cap flexibility for the future.
Greentree, a 20-year-old forward selected in the first round of the 2024 draft, becomes a key piece of that plan. The Rangers also retained 50 percent of Panarin’s salary to help facilitate the deal and maximize their return.
The draft pick sent to New York could improve depending on Los Angeles’ playoff success, adding further long-term value to the transaction.
What This Means Moving Forward
For the Kings, the message is clear, they are pushing to compete now. Despite solid defensive play and consistent playoff appearances in recent years, Los Angeles has struggled to find the offensive spark needed to advance deeper in the postseason. Panarin’s arrival gives the team a proven game-breaker capable of changing that trajectory.
For the Rangers, moving one of the franchise’s top stars signals a shift toward building for the future. With additional young talent and draft assets in hand, New York is positioning itself for long-term flexibility and a potential rebuild.
As the season progresses, this blockbuster trade could reshape the playoff race and the futures of both franchises.
Source: NHL.com
